Country Days Tracker - this app track the days you spend in different countries helping you with visas and tax residency. Try it now! Watch video!

The Riga Ghetto was a small area in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, during World War II. It was a place where the Jewish population of the city was forced to live by the occupying Nazi forces.

History:
During the German occupation of Latvia from 1941 to 1944, the Jewish population of Riga was subjected to severe persecution and discrimination. In October 1941, the Nazis established the Riga Ghetto, confining Jews in a small area of the city. The ghetto was surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by German soldiers.

Conditions in the ghetto were extremely harsh, with overcrowded living quarters, lack of basic amenities, and limited access to food and medical care. Many Jews were forced into hard labor, and thousands died due to disease, malnutrition, and mistreatment.

In late 1943, as the Soviet army advanced towards Riga, the Nazis began liquidating the ghetto. The remaining Jews were either deported to concentration camps or executed on the spot. By the end of the war, only a few dozen Jews from the original Riga Ghetto had survived.

Tips for visitors:
1. Memorial Sites: Today, the Riga Ghetto is marked by several memorial sites, including the Holocaust Museum and the Rumbula Memorial Park. These sites serve as a reminder of the tragic events that took place during World War II.

2. Holocaust Museum: The Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum is located in the heart of the former ghetto. It houses exhibits and displays that shed light on the history and suffering of the Jewish community in Riga during the war.

3. Rumbula Memorial Park: Located on the outskirts of Riga, the Rumbula Memorial Park commemorates the mass killings that took place in the nearby Rumbula Forest. It serves as a place of remembrance and reflection.

4. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Riga Ghetto and its significance. Knowledgeable guides can provide detailed information and help visitors understand the magnitude of the tragedy that unfolded here.

Remember, visiting these sites requires sensitivity and respect for the victims and their families. It is important to approach these places with a somber attitude and to honor the memory of those who suffered.