Three Brothers, Riga

The Three Brothers (LatvianTrīs brāļi) is a building complex consisting of three houses, situated in RigaLatvia. The houses together form the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga. The houses are situated at the addresses 17, 19 and 21 Maza Pils Street (LatvianMazā Pils iela), and each represents various periods of development of dwelling house construction.[1]

The building in 17 Maza Pils Street is the oldest, dating from the late 15th century.[2] The exterior of the building is characterised by crow-stepped gablesGothic decorations and a few early Renaissance details. Originally the building consisted internally of one large room and an attic in use as a storage. The house was restored in 1955–57 by architect P. Saulitis.[3]

The neighbouring house, 19 Maza Pils Street, has an exterior dating from 1646, with a stone portal added in 1746. The style of the building shows influences from Dutch Mannerism.[3]

The last house of the three, located in 21 Maza Pils Street, is a narrow Baroque building which gained its present look probably during the late 17th century.[3]

The Three Brothers complex today houses the State Inspection for Heritage Protection and the Latvian Museum of Architecture.[3]