Many monuments of ancient and medieval architecture have survived to this day thanks to the efforts of historians, archaeologists, reenactors, and restorers. Castles, palaces, and churches were restored, reconstructed, and brought under state protection. However, few people tried to preserve ordinary urban buildings and residential houses, although they were once inhabited by people who made world history. Unfortunately, there are not so many unique monuments of the past in the modern world. But the little that has remained adorns the Riga Old Town in Latvia.

The medieval architectural complex under the sonorous name "Three Brothers" is considered one of the main attractions of the city along with the majestic cathedrals and luxurious old mansions. All the three houses, clinging together, rise on Maza Pils Street. Sometimes it seems that one house is an extension of another. In the Middle Ages, the city land was very expensive, so the citizens built houses with common walls to save money.

Each house has its name: "White", "Middle" and "Green". The "White" is considered the oldest of the "brothers". This striking example of medieval European architecture with a stepped pediment, Gothic niches, and stone benches at the entrance is decorated with the late Renaissance elements. It was built at the end of the 15th century. A couple of centuries later, it started housing the first pastry shop in Riga.

The "Middle Brother" was built in the middle of the 17th century in the style of Dutch Mannerism. It is considered the most beautiful of the three Riga "brothers". Decorated with wrought-iron elements, the house even retains an inscription indicating the year of its foundation, 1646.

The youngest "Green Brother" appeared at the beginning of the 18th century. It was home to craftsmen, whose tailor and shoemaking workshops occupied the entire first floor. The hallmark of the building's facade is the mask, an ancient magic amulet used by residents to ward off evil spirits.