St. John's Church was first built as a chapel and a part of the Dominican monastery ensemble. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. After expulsion of the Dominicans at the time of reformation, the building was privately owned. It was used as a stable and later as a weapon workshop. In 1582, it became a part of a Latvian parish. In 1587-1589 the rebuilding took place and the eastern altar part was added. Go forward, through that ancient gate near St. John's Church, and then you can see old Jana seta (John's Yard) with a reconstructed fragment of the fortification wall surrounding the medieval Riga. If you go forward again, you can see beautiful Konventa seta (Convent yard) where The Castle of Sword-bearers' order stood in the 13th century. At the end of the 13th century it was destroyed by Riga's citizens who wished to free themselves from the power of the order |
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