Old Riga or Vecriga is the historic center of Riga and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It features cobblestone streets, medieval, Renaissance and Classical buildings, and the finest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. It was a major Hanseatic League center in the 13th-15th centuries. Streets largely pedestrianized since the 1990s make it ideal for walking exploration. Gothic churches, historic squares, traditional restaurants and cafes line the narrow streets. Nearly every building has its own story from Riga's over 800-year history