The Peitavas Street Synagogue is the only synagogue in Riga to survive the Second World War. Before the war, Riga had one of the largest Jewish communities in the Baltic — around 40,000 people, making up a third of the city's population — and dozens of synagogues. The Nazis burned all but this one in 1941, reportedly sparing it because the surrounding buildings were too close and the fire would have spread.
The synagogue was restored after independence and still serves Riga's Jewish community. Visitors are welcome; call ahead or check opening hours, as access is limited for security reasons. A small memorial inside commemorates those killed during the occupation.