Arkādijas Park and Mara’s pond

One of the most beautiful landscape parks in Riga, Arkādijas Park is situated near Mara’s pond in Pārdaugava. A hilly relief allows many vantage points of the area. The environment surrounding Mara’s pond had long been a favourite place for relaxation, and in 1794 it was established as a place for simple entertainment; shows, theatre performances and Midsummer celebrations were organised here.

In 1852, H. K. Vērmanis, a Consul General of Prussia, constructed a building with auxiliary premises and a greenhouse on top of the dune, where peaches, apricots, and grapes were raised, and palm trees grew. A marvellous garden was designed. After the Consul died, the property changed owners several times until in 1896 it was purchased by the city of Riga and Georg Kuphalt, a gardening fanatic, was able to landscape it. The building of tram lines made it necessary to change the course of the Mārupīte Channel, and this was used to the park’s benefit since the channel was made to flow through the park. Cascades, water-flows and small bridges were established in it. The channel became one of the most beautiful elements of this landscape. Various charity organisations, the fire department, choirs and other associations celebrated festivals, held concerts, hosted open-air performances and held competitions here. And although the arrangement of the park was completed in 1911, it is often widened and expanded into the adjacent territory. The restaurant “Arkādija” was built in the park in 1910. In 1988-1989, with the beginning of the Latvian independence movement, political organisations frequently held meetings on the stage of the park, and thousands of listeners gathered around.