The history of the largest church in the Baltic states and the main shrine of Latvia began at the beginning of the 13th century. The founder of Riga, Bishop Albert von Buxhoeveden, was quite generous with the state treasury while supervising its construction. Probably that is why the construction of the magnificent monument of medieval sacred architecture was delayed for almost 60 years. Moreover, it was a transitional time in the history of world architecture. Hence the dominance of two styles at once, Romanesque and Gothic. Named after the Latin expression "Domus Dei", which means "House of God", the monumental Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, along with St. Peter's Church and St. James's Cathedral, has become a symbol of Riga and one of the main attractions of the country.

Unfortunately, as a result of a severe fire in the 16th century, the luxurious interior decoration of the church, especially its Romanesque decorations, was almost lost. The interiors were restored in the popular Gothic style and the solemn Baroque style that only started gaining popularity then. At the same time, the ancient Riga Cathedral was complemented with a 96-meters-high bell tower, crowned with a baroque dome and a spire with a cockerel. From the Gothic period, only the former central entrance has preserved its initial appearance. Everything else has undergone many restorations. No wonder the modern Riga Cathedral has marks of the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, and, of course, the inimitable Baroque.

Particularly noteworthy details inside the cathedral are the ancient artifacts and relics. The cathedral keeps the memorial stone of the small 19th-century guilds, the original Baroque carvings of the mid-17th century, and its main treasure, the 19th-century organ made by E.F. Walcker & Co. With a height of 25 meters, the unique instrument was considered the largest organ in the world at the time of its installation. At different times, such great composers as Franz Liszt and Max Reger created works for the cathedral.