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History of Konventa Sēta Hotel: From Brothers of the Sword to Present Days

Konventa Sēta is a modern Old Riga hotel, meticulously renovated in 2023, and housed in a historic complex, whose history dates back to the 13th century when the Order of Brothers of the Sword was founded here. Located in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, this hotel offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort.

House of the Grey Sisters

Initially, Konventa Sēta served as the main residence of the Order of Brothers of the Sword. After the order moved to a new castle, the Holy Spirit Shelter was established here, providing refuge for the poor and widows. Since the shelter was run by nuns in grey cloaks, one of the buildings was later named the House of the Grey Sisters. Over time, the complex underwent various changes, finally taking its present form as part of the elegantly furnished Konventa Sēta Hotel.

Monastery Gates

Historically, in the picturesque arch leading into the courtyard of the Old Town hotel, stood the monastery gates. Today, you can see the tallest building of the Konventa Sēta complex here, which offers a view of the hotel restaurant’s summer terrace and Jāņa Sēta, an ancient quarter of Riga. On the ground floor, guests can use two cozy conference rooms.

Dove Buildings

Two buildings in the Konventa Sēta complex are named the White Dove and the Black Dove buildings. The dove symbol in Christian tradition is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove, symbolizing peace, purity, and divine presence. These buildings were the first to be renovated. Today, they house hotel rooms and the beer restaurant “Two More Beers,” where guests can enjoy a diverse menu throughout the day.

Main Building

In the main building of Konventa Sēta, there is the hotel reception, lobby, as well as comfortable rooms and  the café “Cruffins,” where gourmets can enjoy more than 15 types of cruffins, which can be savoured with a cup of aromatic coffee or tea. Each cruffin is unique and combines the best of both worlds — the airy layers of croissant dough and the soft texture of a muffin.

Forge and Stables

The main building also includes spaces that once housed a forge and stables. Legend has it that one of the buildings in the Konventa Sēta complex once served as a forge, where a blacksmith made horseshoes and other metal items. Nearby was another building, where several centuries ago, the stables were located. These two buildings played an essential role in the city’s life, as horses were the primary means of transportation and goods delivery. Today, they house hotel rooms where guests can relax in an elegant and comfortable interior.

Historical Wall

A special aura is created by the preserved section of the historical wall, built in the 13th century, located next to the cozy meeting room “Mūris” (Wall). The carefully renovated wall, featuring irregularly shaped stones and an authentic structure, now serves as a unique historical accent and design element, linking the past to the present. During the hotel’s renovation, it was decided to preserve this and other historical elements to remind us of Konventa Sēta’s ancient roots and its significance in Riga’s history.

Legacy of Baron Kampenhausen

The Kampenhausen building is named after a German baron who in the past organized a shelter for the poor and widows here, leaving an indelible mark on Riga’s history. The baron’s philanthropy reflected his desire to help the most vulnerable members of the society, and his efforts became a significant example of social support in the city’s history. This building symbolized not only the baron’s wealth but also his compassion and responsibility toward the local community. Today, the Kampenhausen building has been transformed into part of the modern hotel, offering two spacious meeting rooms, hosting up to 100 guests.

Garden House

The garden house is the smallest and greenest building in the entire hotel complex. Here, the gardener and his assistants once lived, serving the family of Baron Kampenhausen. Today, the Garden House offers cozy apartments with kitchenette, which is especially convenient for guests planning a longer stay in Riga.

Discover the history of Riga at Konventa Sēta, a unique hotel comprised of six historical buildings! Each building offers a glimpse into the past with its distinct character and preserved historical features. Guests can explore the fascinating stories of this Riga hotel and imagine how Konventa Sēta has transformed alongside the city throughout the ages.


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