- Address: Latvia, Riga, ul. Kalku, 6;
- Built: in 1896.
In Riga, one of the favorite places to visit is the Trumpeter House, located at the very beginning of Kalku street. Since its erection and to this day, the house remains residential. The building attracts tourists and the fact that one of the most popular legends of Riga is associated with it.
House of chimney sweep, Riga - legendary history
House chimney sweeps appeared in 1896, it was built according to the drawings of the master Wilhelm Boxlaf, and the restoration work was carried out in 2004. The building dates back to the 18th century and attracts tourists with a sculpture set at the very top.
She depicts a chimney sweep, which holds a ladder in one hand, and a vine in the other. The history of the appearance of the sculpture is proof of the history of love. Once in the house lived a rich family, a girl from whom fell in love with a simple chimneysweep. Her feelings were mutual, but the father of the lover was against unequal relations. When the young man has appointed a date to the girl in the attic, the rich man simply locked his daughter in the room and went to a meeting together.
The chimney-sweep rose to the attic on the ladder just as the father of his lover appeared on the roof. An angry rich man pondered briefly, pushed the ladder, causing the young man to fall and broke his leg. The girl, having learned about the misfortune, was sick of the disease, which greatly saddened the head of the family. Therefore, he repented of his actions, paid for the treatment of the chimney sweep and gave his consent to the marriage. The decision was true, because the son-in-law was with a business vein and helped to increase the condition of his father-in-law.
As a token of gratitude and remorse, the rich man ordered a sculpture, which is still installed on the roof of the house. Items that the chimney sweepers hold in their hands are not chosen by chance: the vine symbolizes diligence, and the staircase is perseverance.
Since meeting a chimney sweep is considered a good sign, many travelers are rushing to this house. At the moment the house is residential, and on the ground floor there are various shops.
How to get there?
Given that next to the House of Chimney sweeps there is a restaurant and many shops where you can find souvenirs, then Kolku street or Lime is very popular. It is located in the Old Town and starts from the waterfront on November 11th. It is located not only House of Chimney sweep, but other attractions , for example, the town hall .