How a 42-metre monument to freedom survived decades of Soviet occupation in Riga

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Unveiled in 1935, Riga's Freedom Monument stands as a towering symbol of Latvian sovereignty. Despite multiple attempts by Soviet authorities to demolish the structure, it remained standing, eventually becoming the epicenter of the independence movement that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

The Freedom Monument was conceived in the early 1920s to honor soldiers who died during the Latvian War of Independence. Designed by sculptor Kārlis Zāle and funded entirely by private donations, the 42-metre structure is a complex assembly of granite, travertine, and copper. At its summit, a female figure known as Milda holds three gilded stars, representing the constitutional districts of Vidzeme, Latgale, and Courland. The monument’s base features thirteen groups of sculptures depicting Latvian history, including figures like the mythical hero Lāčplēsis and the 'Chain breakers'.

Following the Soviet occupation in 1940, the monument faced an uncertain future. While there is no written evidence of a formal demolition order, oral testimony suggests Soviet authorities considered tearing it down to restore a statue of Tsar Peter the Great. Soviet sculptor Vera Mukhina is often credited with saving the monument by arguing for its high artistic value. During the Soviet era, officials attempted to reinterpret its symbolism, claiming the stars represented the three Baltic Soviet republics held by 'Mother Russia', yet the public continued to view it as a beacon of national independence.

The monument’s role as a symbol of resistance culminated on June 14, 1987, when approximately 5,000 people gathered to lay flowers, defying a ban on such ceremonies. This rally, organized by the human rights group Helsinki-86, helped catalyze the movement that restored Latvian sovereignty in 1990. Today, the monument remains a site of both national pride and political tension, particularly during annual commemorations. Despite ongoing struggles with environmental decay—including damage from air pollution and frost—the site continues to be a focal point for public life, guarded by soldiers who maintain a constant watch over the heart of Riga.

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