A neo-Gothic Anglican church standing near Riga Castle, this congregation has served English speakers through Soviet occupation, independence, and into the present day.
At a glance
St. Saviour’s is the parish church of the Church of England in Riga, located on Anglikāņu iela just north of Vecrīga. Its red-brick neo-Gothic structure dominates a quiet street close to the Daugava River and the castle. Today it remains active with a small English-speaking congregation and serves the community through social outreach programmes.
History
Designed by architect Johann Felsko, the church’s foundation stone was laid in 1857 and it was consecrated on 26 July 1859 by Bishop Walter Trower. For decades it anchored Anglican life in Riga, drawing British expatriates and foreign residents.
The Soviet occupation severed its use as a place of worship. In 1973 the building was repurposed as a student club for Riga Polytechnic Institute, effectively silencing its bells for nearly two decades.
Following Latvia’s independence in 1991, the congregation reformed under Lutheran Pastor Arden Haug. Reverend Dr Juris Calitis arrived in 1995 to lead the growing group, followed by Jāna Jēruma-Grīnberga as priest-in-charge from October 2014. Elīza Zikmane became chaplain in 2020.
What you see
The church exhibits neo-Gothic design typical of mid-19th-century Anglican architecture in the Baltic region. Its sturdy brick construction and pointed details reflect both regional building tradition and Gothic Revival principles favoured across Northern Europe at the time.
Cultural significance
St. Saviour’s represents a crucial thread of British cultural presence in Latvia—one that survived Soviet suppression and has been deliberately rebuilt since 1991. Its survival and restoration demonstrate the resilience of minority faith communities in post-Soviet Europe.
Beyond its denominational role, the church now functions as a social anchor, operating a soup kitchen for homeless people and supporting a club for elderly residents, embedding itself in Riga’s civic fabric.
Key facts
- Country: Latvia
- City: Riga, Central District
- Coordinates: 56.949714, 24.101919
- Architect: Johann Felsko
- Foundation stone: 1857
- Consecrated: 26 July 1859
- Style: Neo-Gothic
Practical information & getting there
St. Saviour’s Church is located at Anglikāņu iela 2 in central Riga, within walking distance of Riga Castle and the Old Town. The church maintains an active congregation and welcomes visitors. For specific visiting hours and service times, contact the parish directly or consult the Anglican Diocese website.
Sources & resources
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