Aristīda Briāna iela 3 - Maikapara house

This beautiful villa is hidden behind the ugly concrete fence in distant (north-east) area of Riga centre. It was built in 1876, but rebuilt in rococo style in 30ies. The villa has served as a representation place to host high-profile guests in Soviet times - there has been Nikita Khrustchev, Joseph Tito, etc. In 90ies, it served as Latvian president's residence for a while (but the surrounding area is quite run-down and there has been funny stories about the drunkards disturbing president's sleep at nights). Now it houses embassy of Japan. [full_width]