Corner House (KGB Building)

The Corner House was the headquarters of the KGB in Latvia, and behind its ordinary street facade lie the cells, interrogation rooms and the basement where prisoners were shot. Now run as part of the Occupation Museum, it is a plain, unflinching account of Soviet repression in the very rooms where it happened.

What's there

• The cells - the cramped holding cells where prisoners were kept.
• Interrogation rooms - the offices where questioning and torture took place.
• The execution basement - the yard and cellar used for shootings.
• The exhibition - documents and stories of those who passed through.

When to go

Year-round; book a guided tour to see the cells, as the free exhibition alone does not include them. It is an indoor, sombre visit suited to any weather.

What to expect

This is a heavy, disturbing place by design, not a light sightseeing stop - go when you are ready for it. The cell tours run at set times and can sell out, so check ahead. Photography and behaviour should be respectful.

Nearby

The main Occupation Museum sits by the old town; the Freedom Monument is a few minutes' walk.