btw in 4:04 he said that right after stalin died a battle against his cult-like persona and recognition of him being generally not a great guy(to say the least) they changed the painting idea.
Thanks Justin, looking forward to the follow up video. It would be interesting to see footage of the vintage cars, aircraft and food of course ! No doubt there will be some interesting artists and artisans Keep them coming mate !
Wow, what a great historic place. If Latvia has the budget they can turn this in to an Aviation museum and a concert center (there is lots of parking). There is so much that Latvia can do with this space. They can even show films about the Latvian hardships during the Soviet era. I sincerely hope they do not tear it down. History is history and you cannot change it, but you can embrace what that history has left you with and embrace it and make its meaning different that what was originally intended.
@@StanislavVilkov The Russians destroyed and took everything and now want to destroy again. People leave because they don't want to be so close to Russia and there are too many Russians still in their country...
Hi John and thank you so much for this comment. It was an absolute fascinating experience and I also hope that this and many other buildings remain. A museum would be a great idea! I also appreciate your comment about a countrys or a people's history... Eradicating everything will not change the reality of what happened... I personally think it should remain as a constant reminder of what was and what should not happen again. History needs to be kept alive for future generations to learn and remember🙏
Well, I flew from it in May 1976 to Vilnius on An-24. And even before that, it was not the “only” airport in Riga. The IL-18 aircraft serving Moscow, Donetsk, Krasnoyarsk and other distant destinations used the Rumbula airfield and shared it with the military MiG 21 fighter jets. Eventually, the civilian operations were moved to current airport and the military moved to Lielvārde.
@@J.E.E Thanks, I think you showed it very well, almost like Bald and bankrupt style. : ) In case you ever are able to do a podcast videocall or in person in RIga center, I would enjoy having you on to talk about your experiences in Latvia, traveling etc.
Now that Bald and Bankrupt released his LAST Soviet video looks like Justin will be the lone legit Soviet/Eastern Europe youtuber left. Videos such as this are truly appreciated! He should also visit the nearby Plokštinė LT Nuclear Base
Hi Gytis, Thank you so much for the kind words I really appreciate the support. Sounds like a cool place to visit!!! I might go next week if I find the time
Thank You, Justin. some six years ago I was a nightguard in neighboring building where some warehouses are. Next to home I lived when I was a kid on Kalnciema street if You walk on the Kalnciema bridge from center to airport on right side there's an old Stalinist Empire stile building. On the top of it's pillars both sides of the doors you can also see those hammer and sickle symbols.
Hello mate. 1. Avoid talking politics as it is quite complicated in this part of the world. 2. Stay in the center if you want a more Riga lifestyle experience or the old town if you want the touristic adventure. 3. Make the market a top priority. 4. Eat at least once in Lido (avoid the one at the station) the one on Elizabete street or the main one if you can get to it. 5. Have fun 6messgae me on Instagram when you are in town
Is this the Spilve Airport? Viewing this video brings back a little nostalgia for me. During my holiday visit to the USSR in 1987, I entered the USSR by arriving in Leningrad's Airport. The terminal at Leningrad's airport looked to be about the same size of the old Riga airport. My recollection of Leningrad's terminal interior was mainly faced with faint pink marble or granite with lots of fancy rococo-style details and support columns like the old Riga airport you visited here. The USSR immigrations and customs officials were stationed at wooden workstations (made of mahogany or another high-quality wood perhaps?) at that time. Overall, I thought I was visiting a czar's dacha rather than an airport terminal. I would assume the old Leningrad's airport terminal that existed in 1987 was ultimately torn down? And replaced by what exists today in St Petersburg's airport, which now looks ultra-modern like any major airport worldwide. The old Riga airport looks like it might be worthwhile to see during my upcoming Riga visit later this month. I am assuming it will be best to rent a car, or book a Bolt to get there? Thanks for sharing!!
Hi David, What an amazing story... I wish I could have visited during the Soviet times. Bolt or Forus would be the best, I would not suggest renting a car for Riga. If you feel like it we could meet when you are here as I would love to hear more about your travels to the USSR. If you feel like it message me on Instagram juatin_easterneurope
@@J.E.E I got to Leningrad from Frankfurt with Lufthansa at the time. The airplane parked away from the terminal; perhaps about 100-150 meters away from the actual entrance into the small arrival/immigrations terminal. Along the path on the tarmac from the aircraft, a line of soldiers/policemen were lined up along the way from the exit of the aircraft with rifles pointed up in the air strapped to their armpits. A bit intimidating, but with glasnost they wanted to be friendly to visitors probably. I will likely message you on Instagram shortly. Have a good day!
I don’t expect them to tear it down. I think it’s still in great condition and they really can utilise the place quite well. It’s already being used for different events as you found out. I’ve never seen the interior so it was interesting to see. I hope they preserve it and find a good purpose for it in the future as well.
Hi Ines. It was a fascinating experience... I don't think there is any indication of it being torn down but who knows... Things around the world are getting torn down as if it will change historical events... I find it quite sad. Thank you so much for watching
@@J.E.E Well, some of them need to be destroyed (like that Victory monument) or at least moved to a designated area, but a building like this is more useful and has more value. The monument of Victory was standing there for decades and probably would still be standing if it wasn’t used as a place for Soviet regime supporters to gather and celebrate events which Latvia suffered greatly from. Our people don’t need unnecessary reminders of Soviet regime. It’s ingrained in our memories forever. So it depends how those places/ buildings are used and what they represent nowadays. Again, thanks for the video. 🙂
@@vinaydhawan1555 I don't think it will get demolished... Maybe defaced, as we have seen on other countries... Either way see it whilst it is all still original👌👍
I think the airport started out as a military airfield pre-World War II, then converted at least in parts for civilian aviation use where/when the terminal seen here was built.
Well yeah, pretty clear he's talking about the *building* featuring Soviet architecture. You're totally right that the airport as such predates Soviet occupation.
Thank you mate for your input and clarification. Obviously I was referring to the one that is still presently there. But I will try and be more careful and mention it in the future All the best mate
@@J.E.E unfortunately last event was around two weeks ago 😁 Im not sure if they will organize anything during winter, but the next big event will be in summer. Raving Spilve is annual rave party which usually takes place in august 🙂
Hello good day i plan a travel this summer too riga and i will looking this old air port my ask too you is when im going too this airport can i found a peopel where opening the door? Thank for your ask and im wish you a butiful day
Sergey said that after Stalin’s death, they started question the Stalin’s rulling methods and his personality promoted as a superpower, if to try to translate it is something like -dethornement of cult of personality, that’s why they changed him to a russian women on the mural. I tried to explain more or less :))))))
8:20 not sure why you say it will be torn down, pretty sure there's no plans for that. Monuments to occupation army are going down, as they've been giving too much momentum to people who call for another bloodshed a.k.a. "mozhem paftaritj"... Buildings with their Soviet era artworks are not at fault...
Hi Uldis. I was not referring to the building but rather to the interior and the history in it. Sorry if I was not clear... After watching I can understand the confusion. All the best mate
@@J.E.E Nono, I get that you were talking about the interior. I do believe that this interior is a gem worth keeping. It's not like Latvia prohibits keeping any sickles and hammers whatsoever. They may remain as museum exhibits. There are things like preserved Soviet bunkers in existence
@@u1zha hi Uldis, I am so happy to read that we are on the same page on this matter. I hope that people realize that I am by no means a supporter of any political system that infringes people's rights to liberty and freedom. Having said that I am fascinated, as an individual, over the second world War and the era that came after it... The era I grew up in! To freedom and the will of the people👌👍
interesting, I lived in Riga all my life, but didn't know about the existence of such an airport
Hello my friend… I’m glad you enjoyed! You should go and visit one day👍👌
Many people assume Riga Airport is new but it was built in 1980, also making it kind of a soviet airport.
Thank you very much for your input!
At that time it was a small hut.
interesting video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!!👍👌😁
very cool! quite bald&bankrupt-esque, I would guess he is one of your inspirations😀
btw in 4:04 he said that right after stalin died a battle against his cult-like persona and recognition of him being generally not a great guy(to say the least) they changed the painting idea.
Thank you so much for the clarification... I was confused about what he was saying because Stalin dies in 53... But thanks for the input👌👍
Thank you for the kind comment.
He has great content👍
I guess he has inspired many of us and his results are truly inspiring👌
One unique looking airport...! Another informative video Justin... Love it... GG
Thank you mate... It was an amazing experience.
All the best mate and thanks for the support
Wow what a fascinating building, imagine flying from there back in the day!
Hi mate… I agree, historical buildings like these are always fascinating and great to visit! Thanks for watching👍👌
man this is amazing, more videos like this plz!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words… I’m glad you enjoyed!😁👍
Thanks Justin, looking forward to the follow up video. It would be interesting to see footage of the vintage cars, aircraft and food of course ! No doubt there will be some interesting artists and artisans Keep them coming mate !
Hello Paul.
Thanks for commenting and watching.
I hope to upload the next part tomorrow... It was fun.
Stay tuned mate👌👍
It seems _inconceivable_ that that was an airport. _Amazing!_
It is an amazing place...
Was a real trip down a historical era the I find fascinating.
Sergei spends lots of time taking care of the airport which is nice
He is a gem👌👍
love the architecture and paintings
It is really beautiful… thank you for watching!👍👌
Thanks Justin, interesting as always 👍
Thank you my friend… glad you enjoyed!👍👌
Wow, what a great historic place. If Latvia has the budget they can turn this in to an Aviation museum and a concert center (there is lots of parking). There is so much that Latvia can do with this space. They can even show films about the Latvian hardships during the Soviet era. I sincerely hope they do not tear it down. History is history and you cannot change it, but you can embrace what that history has left you with and embrace it and make its meaning different that what was originally intended.
It sure would be a great place for Aviation museum.
These types of places are torn down because the people don't want reminders of what the Soviets did to them, not glorified as museums...
@@StanislavVilkov The Russians destroyed and took everything and now want to destroy again. People leave because they don't want to be so close to Russia and there are too many Russians still in their country...
@@stevemcgowen sounds like racism
Hi John and thank you so much for this comment.
It was an absolute fascinating experience and I also hope that this and many other buildings remain.
A museum would be a great idea!
I also appreciate your comment about a countrys or a people's history... Eradicating everything will not change the reality of what happened...
I personally think it should remain as a constant reminder of what was and what should not happen again.
History needs to be kept alive for future generations to learn and remember🙏
Well, I flew from it in May 1976 to Vilnius on An-24. And even before that, it was not the “only” airport in Riga. The IL-18 aircraft serving Moscow, Donetsk, Krasnoyarsk and other distant destinations used the Rumbula airfield and shared it with the military MiG 21 fighter jets. Eventually, the civilian operations were moved to current airport and the
military moved to Lielvārde.
Hi Inesis,
Thank you so much for the input, living history is fascinating and I appreciate your comment.
All the best my friend👍👌
Missed your log😊💕
👍👌
Thanks, never been there myself even though I live only a few km away in the center.
Hello my friend! Thanks for watching… you should go and check it out!!👍👌
@@J.E.E Thanks, I think you showed it very well, almost like Bald and bankrupt style. : ) In case you ever are able to do a podcast videocall or in person in RIga center, I would enjoy having you on to talk about your experiences in Latvia, traveling etc.
@@bocslauris Hi Lauris,
Sounds really interesting!!!
Message me on Instagram @justin_easterneurope
Now that Bald and Bankrupt released his LAST Soviet video looks like Justin will be the lone legit Soviet/Eastern Europe youtuber left. Videos such as this are truly appreciated! He should also visit the nearby Plokštinė LT Nuclear Base
Hi Gytis,
Thank you so much for the kind words I really appreciate the support.
Sounds like a cool place to visit!!! I might go next week if I find the time
Great Justin.. i am coming Riga next month ..
You will love it.
Message me your plans on Instagram or email, we can meet if you like👍👌
@@J.E.E i mail u about schedule ..see you in Riga!
My first flight was Rīga to Moscow in July 1968, with Aeroflot.
Wow that is amazing... I bet you must have some fascinating stories 👍👌
I would love to hear them one day
Thank You, Justin. some six years ago I was a nightguard in neighboring building where some warehouses are.
Next to home I lived when I was a kid on Kalnciema street if You walk on the Kalnciema bridge from center to airport on right side there's an old Stalinist Empire stile building. On the top of it's pillars both sides of the doors you can also see those hammer and sickle symbols.
Hi Mikus,
How interesting life can be.
I know the street but not the building!!! Thank you so much for the tip👍👌
I will go and see it soon
Am travelling to riga next Friday any tips or advice would be great thanks
Hello mate.
1. Avoid talking politics as it is quite complicated in this part of the world.
2. Stay in the center if you want a more Riga lifestyle experience or the old town if you want the touristic adventure.
3. Make the market a top priority.
4. Eat at least once in Lido (avoid the one at the station) the one on Elizabete street or the main one if you can get to it.
5. Have fun
6messgae me on Instagram when you are in town
They don't make airports like that anymore. I saw some pretty Ukrainian airports being replaced by huge glass and steel structures in Ukraine.
So have I mate... And I can understand they need to adapt, but what a treat it was to find this on intact.
I arrived at this airport from Leningrad in 1980 by plane AN-24.
Hi, You're near my part of Riga - Iļģuciems. Are you still in Latvia or this is an older video?
Hello… yes, I live in Latvia! Thank you for watching 👍👌
Is this the Spilve Airport?
Viewing this video brings back a little nostalgia for me. During my holiday visit to the USSR in 1987, I entered the USSR by arriving in Leningrad's Airport. The terminal at Leningrad's airport looked to be about the same size of the old Riga airport. My recollection of Leningrad's terminal interior was mainly faced with faint pink marble or granite with lots of fancy rococo-style details and support columns like the old Riga airport you visited here. The USSR immigrations and customs officials were stationed at wooden workstations (made of mahogany or another high-quality wood perhaps?) at that time. Overall, I thought I was visiting a czar's dacha rather than an airport terminal. I would assume the old Leningrad's airport terminal that existed in 1987 was ultimately torn down? And replaced by what exists today in St Petersburg's airport, which now looks ultra-modern like any major airport worldwide.
The old Riga airport looks like it might be worthwhile to see during my upcoming Riga visit later this month. I am assuming it will be best to rent a car, or book a Bolt to get there? Thanks for sharing!!
Hi David,
What an amazing story... I wish I could have visited during the Soviet times.
Bolt or Forus would be the best, I would not suggest renting a car for Riga.
If you feel like it we could meet when you are here as I would love to hear more about your travels to the USSR.
If you feel like it message me on Instagram juatin_easterneurope
@@J.E.E I got to Leningrad from Frankfurt with Lufthansa at the time. The airplane parked away from the terminal; perhaps about 100-150 meters away from the actual entrance into the small arrival/immigrations terminal. Along the path on the tarmac from the aircraft, a line of soldiers/policemen were lined up along the way from the exit of the aircraft with rifles pointed up in the air strapped to their armpits. A bit intimidating, but with glasnost they wanted to be friendly to visitors probably.
I will likely message you on Instagram shortly. Have a good day!
I don’t expect them to tear it down. I think it’s still in great condition and they really can utilise the place quite well. It’s already being used for different events as you found out. I’ve never seen the interior so it was interesting to see. I hope they preserve it and find a good purpose for it in the future as well.
Hi Ines.
It was a fascinating experience...
I don't think there is any indication of it being torn down but who knows... Things around the world are getting torn down as if it will change historical events... I find it quite sad.
Thank you so much for watching
@@J.E.E Well, some of them need to be destroyed (like that Victory monument) or at least moved to a designated area, but a building like this is more useful and has more value. The monument of Victory was standing there for decades and probably would still be standing if it wasn’t used as a place for Soviet regime supporters to gather and celebrate events which Latvia suffered greatly from. Our people don’t need unnecessary reminders of Soviet regime. It’s ingrained in our memories forever. So it depends how those places/ buildings are used and what they represent nowadays. Again, thanks for the video. 🙂
8:32 I'm just curious, how do you draw these conclusions?
I've been to this place many times but I thought this is a flying club😀..
Hello mate,
Next time check it out more closely... It is an amazing place👌👍
@@J.E.E sure mate. Before it gets demolished need to go see it again.
@@vinaydhawan1555 I don't think it will get demolished... Maybe defaced, as we have seen on other countries... Either way see it whilst it is all still original👌👍
@@J.E.E okay mate. Definitely.
Are you still in Latvia do you live there I saw you in Jurmala.
I live here mate!!!
Next time say hello👌👍
@@J.E.E I did, check your Canjera a black Guy with kid ✌️✌️✌️ love your vidoes
Camera 🎥 ***
@@nurmoalimabukar3787 sorry I missed it mate.
Will catch you next time👌👍
Hello Justin my friend👋 When are you going to Gdansk?
Hello Petter.
Possibly end of September or beginning of October👍👌
@@J.E.E I’m going to Gdansk in October👍😀
@@petterherlofsen7269 let's try and coordinate mate👍👌
Spilve was actually the first Latvian airport that began working in 1920s, so its not Soviet.
Es zinu spilvas lidosta 🇱🇻
I think the airport started out as a military airfield pre-World War II, then converted at least in parts for civilian aviation use where/when the terminal seen here was built.
Well yeah, pretty clear he's talking about the *building* featuring Soviet architecture. You're totally right that the airport as such predates Soviet occupation.
Thank you mate for your input and clarification.
Obviously I was referring to the one that is still presently there.
But I will try and be more careful and mention it in the future
All the best mate
You are right.
Its really cool actually, many rave parties take place in this building every year. Great atmosphere, I love it.
Wow how interesting - let me know when is the next one!! 😃👍 Thank you very much for your input !!
@@J.E.E unfortunately last event was around two weeks ago 😁 Im not sure if they will organize anything during winter, but the next big event will be in summer. Raving Spilve is annual rave party which usually takes place in august 🙂
What an awesome building - would be a crying shame if it gets torn down. Looking forward to the art fair!
Hello mate,
It would but for now it stands and I am happy I got the privilege to visit it like I did.
Thank you so much for watching 👍👌
beautiful building jk
It really is… Thanks for watching my friend!👍👌
Actually we habe one older Soviet airport in Tallinn Estonia. It is renovated and im pretty sure that it is 95% original
Hello good day i plan a travel this summer too riga and i will looking this old air port my ask too you is when im going too this airport can i found a peopel where opening the door?
Thank for your ask and im wish you a butiful day
3:59 he said "1954 Stalin dies, battling/condemnation of Stalin's personality cult begins"
Thank you my friend for the clarification👌👍
I am Latvian I now in spilva airport 👍
Hello my friend… Thank you for watching and commenting!👍👌
@@J.E.E thx
a m a z i n g!
Thanks so much for watching my friend!👍👌
Это настоящий роскошный дворец. Очень красивое здание внутри и снаружи
Привет Марина... Согласен!!! Мне очень понравилось этот здание.👍👌
This airport stopped passenger service already in mid-1970's .
Correct, 1975
In that time you were the bigest enemie!
ok, now better camer :P but the microphone could be better :P
Sergey said that after Stalin’s death, they started question the Stalin’s rulling methods and his personality promoted as a superpower, if to try to translate it is something like -dethornement of cult of personality, that’s why they changed him to a russian women on the mural. I tried to explain more or less :))))))
Last soviet baroque airport.
Indeed👍👌
8:20 not sure why you say it will be torn down, pretty sure there's no plans for that. Monuments to occupation army are going down, as they've been giving too much momentum to people who call for another bloodshed a.k.a. "mozhem paftaritj"... Buildings with their Soviet era artworks are not at fault...
Hi Uldis.
I was not referring to the building but rather to the interior and the history in it.
Sorry if I was not clear... After watching I can understand the confusion.
All the best mate
@@J.E.E Nono, I get that you were talking about the interior. I do believe that this interior is a gem worth keeping. It's not like Latvia prohibits keeping any sickles and hammers whatsoever. They may remain as museum exhibits. There are things like preserved Soviet bunkers in existence
@@u1zha hi Uldis,
I am so happy to read that we are on the same page on this matter.
I hope that people realize that I am by no means a supporter of any political system that infringes people's rights to liberty and freedom.
Having said that I am fascinated, as an individual, over the second world War and the era that came after it... The era I grew up in!
To freedom and the will of the people👌👍
its not last soviet airport ,in Riga
well bald got kicked out of Russia, you're the only hope left lol!
Bald has an entry ban from Ukraine, as well. He tried playing both sides and lost...
🤣🤣🤣 let's see about some russian adventures soon then 👌👍
@@J.E.E hell yeah!
Baltic states are not Eastern Europe, but Northern.
Hello... And the point???
I don't get what you are saying?
The Baltic states are not Eastern Europe (read wikipedia), but Northern Europe. Like Finland. Otherwise you have a good video. Thanks!
@@aigarslindentals8315 okay but what is your point here?
is this bald and bankrupt?
Not quite... A couple of feet shorter🤣🤣🤣
fake
NOT RIGA