Cat House is a 1909 building at Meistaru iela 10/12 in Riga’s Old Town, known for the two black cat sculptures on its rooftop turrets. Look up to spot their arched backs and raised tails, then take in the building’s blend of medieval forms and Art Nouveau details. A local legend links the cats to a dispute between the original owner and the nearby Great Guild, though accounts differ on the details. It makes a brief stop while exploring the surrounding streets.
A landmark on Meistaru iela
Cat House stands at Meistaru iela 10/12 in Riga’s Old Town. Architect Friedrich Scheffel designed the building, completed in 1909. Its name comes from the two black cat figures perched on the rooftop turrets. They have arched backs and raised tails, and are easy to miss if you walk past without looking up.
The building combines medieval architectural elements with Art Nouveau details. The cats draw the eye first, but the building itself is also worth a look as you move through this part of the old town.
The tale of the cats
A popular local story connects the sculptures with the Great Guild nearby. The building’s wealthy owner was said to have been denied membership in the guild, so he placed the cats on the roof with their backs turned toward it. In some versions, the cats were later repositioned after a dispute over their placement.
The details vary between tellings, and other accounts connect the owner’s grievance with Riga’s authorities instead. The story is best understood as local legend rather than a settled account. The cats remain the building’s distinctive feature, whatever version you hear.
What to look for
Find both figures on the roof turrets and take a moment to notice their posture: their backs arch and their tails point upward. The sculptures sit well above street level, so daylight helps you see them clearly. Renovation scaffolding has sometimes obscured parts of the building, although the rooftop cats have remained visible in at least one reported case.
The stop works well as part of a walk through Old Town. Look at the façades and details around the building, then continue along the surrounding streets, where other sights are close by.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Cat House in Riga?
It is at Meistaru iela 10/12 in Riga’s Old Town.
What is Cat House known for?
The building is known for two black cat sculptures on its rooftop turrets and for its mix of medieval and Art Nouveau elements.
What is the story behind the cats?
Local legend links their original placement to the owner’s dispute with the nearby Great Guild. Accounts differ on the details.
When is the best time to see the rooftop cats?
Visit in daylight, when the figures high on the roof are easier to see.
