BTA donates insurance for the Freedom Monument

BTA donates insurance for the Freedom Monument and invites schoolchildren to learn more about its symbolic significance 

To mark the beginning of Latvia’s National Holiday Week, BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA) today, for the 23rd consecutive year, presented the City of Riga with an insurance policy for the Freedom Monument with a total sum insured of 1.5 million euros, handing it over to Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of Riga City Council. This year, the policy’s cover has been extended to include the risk of military incidents. The long-standing tradition was also complemented by a special educational tour for schoolchildren, designed to help the younger generation better understand the history, symbolism and significance of the Freedom Monument in the context of Latvian statehood. 

The presentation of the Freedom Monument’s insurance policy has become an integral part of the national holiday tradition, serving as an annual reminder of the need to preserve and protect one of the most significant symbols of Latvia’s independence and statehood. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to remind the public of its historical significance and to strengthen patriotism. 

Indeed, a survey* conducted by BTA last year revealed that only 22 % of Latvian residents surveyed had ever explained the significance of the Freedom Monument to their own children or those of their relatives. Meanwhile, 39 % believe that this is not their responsibility, and that it should be carried out, for example, by educational institutions. 

Therefore, to foster children’s and young people’s interest in Latvian history, this year BTA supplemented the presentation of its insurance policies with an educational activity – pupils from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 went on a special guided tour led by Kristīne Sprula, a certified Riga tour guide. During the tour, the young people learnt about the history of the monument’s creation, the symbolism embodied in its sculptures and reliefs, and found out more about the people and events in whose honour it was erected. 

“The Freedom Monument is much more than just a historical site in the centre of Riga – it is a symbol of our independence, national unity and freedom. It is important to BTA to not only take care of the monument itself, but also to ensure that its message is passed on to future generations. That is why this year, whilst providing insurance for the Freedom Monument, we decided to go one step further by giving schoolchildren the opportunity to get to know the Freedom Monument better, ask questions and discover stories they may not have known about until now. We hope that this experience will help them forge a personal connection with our national symbol,” emphasises Evija Matveja, BTA Board Member. 

When presenting the Freedom Monument’s insurance policy to Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chair of Riga City Council, E. Matveja explained that the insurance policy donated to the city of Riga covers not only the monument itself, but also its lighting and the bronze plaques embedded in the surrounding paving. 

The insurance provides cover against various types of potential damage, including fire, natural disasters and the consequences of unlawful acts by third parties. The policy also covers specific situations, such as damage caused by candle wax, which may occur when members of the public pay their respects at the monument on national holidays. The insurance cover also includes protection against the risk of military incidents. 

“The Freedom Monument is one of the most special places in Riga, where we celebrate Latvia’s independence and, every day, remember how precious our freedom is and how many people have fought for it. It is a symbol that unites generations, which is why it is important to me to ensure the preservation of the Freedom Monument and to make sure that our children and young people learn about and understand its story. “I am grateful to BTA for our long-standing cooperation and am particularly pleased with this year’s initiative, which helps the younger generation to learn more about the history of the Freedom Monument and understand why it is so significant to us all,” emphasises Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chair of Riga City Council. 

Many people know that the Freedom Monument was unveiled on 18 November 1935, stands 42 metres tall, and that the three stars at its summit symbolise Latvia’s historical regions. However, the history of the Freedom Monument also contains lesser-known and surprising facts that allow us to view one of Latvia’s most significant symbols in a new light. To help children and young people learn more about it, Kristīne Sprula, a tour guide and Chair of the Board of the Latvian Professional Guides’ Association, has compiled several lesser-known facts about the Freedom Monument. 

Orders of the Three Stars are buried in the foundations of the Freedom Monument

On 18 November 1931, when the foundation stone of the Freedom Monument was laid, a copper capsule donated by the entrepreneur Vilhelms Ķuze was embedded in the foundations next to those of the former monument to Peter I. It contained a document recording the laying of the foundation stone, newspapers, coins and the Orders of the Three Stars. 

Source: Riga Monuments Agency 

Construction of the Freedom Monument was not fully completed until three years after its unveiling

Although the monument was officially unveiled on 18 November 1935, all work related to its construction was not completed until 17 November 1938. In 1937, arched paths were laid out on either side of the monument behind the rows of lime trees, and benches were installed. The ceremonial unveiling of the monument did not mean that the entire architectural ensemble had already been fully completed. 

Source: National Encyclopaedia 

During the Soviet era, the three stars were restored despite a ban

In 1980–1981, whilst Latvia was still under Soviet occupation, the first restoration of the Freedom Monument took place. Restorers restored the gilding on the three stars and the sash of the Freedom figure, despite a strict ban on doing so. The Riga Monuments Agency describes this action as a true act of heroism given the political circumstances of the time. 

Source: Riga Monuments Agency 

Originally, the monument was intended to be complemented by two monumental structures

The vision of Kārlis Zāle and architect Ernests Štālbergs was more ambitious than the monument we see today. Two monumental structures were planned between the Freedom Monument and Aspazijas and Basteja Boulevards, which would have architecturally linked the monument to Old Riga. These buildings were never constructed. Consequently, the ensemble visible today is not a complete realisation of the original architectural vision. 

Source: National Encyclopaedia 

The Freedom Monument features 56 figures – including its creator himself

The Freedom Monument comprises 56 figures arranged in 13 sculptural groups, which can be explored by viewing the monument from all sides. Here we see Lāčplēsis fighting a bear, three men trying to break their chains, a mother with two children, as well as a priest, at whose feet lies a horse’s skull – an ancient symbol associated with warding off evil. The monument also depicts Latvia with a sword, a shield and a sheaf of grain. Meanwhile, in the sculpture group ‘Work’, the monument’s creator, Kārlis Zāle, has immortalised his own features in the figure of the labourer. 

Source: Riga Monuments Agency 

*The survey was conducted in October 2025 by BTA and “Norstat Latvija”, with 1,013 Latvian residents aged between 18 and 74 taking part.