Burg Arras is located to the site of ancient Roman hill fort. It was first time mentioned in 1120, but probably built around 936 (the dungeon dates from that time). The castle has been owned by Palatine counts and bishop of Trier. It was destroyed by French army in the late 17th century and rebuilt in the 20th century. Today Burg Arras is a hotel and restaurant.
References:My fathers side of the family came from Germany in either the late 1800s or early 1900s. My great great grandfather was named Leonard Arras (he changed it to Arris when he moved to America). I wonder if it’s possible that I’m related to an Arras that owned this?
Many, many years ago we visited Burg Arras. Family legend (my grandfather was William Arras) says that this castle was in our family many years ago. It is beautiful and I would love to visit it again!
House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.