In the middle of canyons, gorges, caves and streams is located a ruin of a Kláštorisko Carthusian monastery from the beginning of the 14th century. In the 13th century Kláštorisko saved citizens of nearby cities and villages from attacks of Tatars. By the Articles of association of a monastery (12th December 1299) on “Skala útočišťa (The Rock of Refuge)” begins more than 250 years of operation of the silent Carthusian order. They named this place “Raj (Paradise)” and this name stayed until nowadays.
Extensive ruins of gothic monastery of Carthusian order: church with polygonal chancel and south oriented sacristy, chapel, cloister, monastic buildings, hospice and workshops. The original entrance gate is from downhill – north side, while on the uphil – south side was only gate for pedestrians (nowadays main entrance). South part of monastery with entrance courtyard surrounded by hospice, church and buildings of upper monastery was accessible to public. Middle part has typical benedictine scheme (house of prior, chapel, kitchen and library).
References: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.