The Swedish Gate was added to the city`s old fortification wall in 1698 to celebrate the Scandinavian occupation of Riga. At the time the city`s executioner resided in the apartment above the gate. An exceedingly romantic and considerate fellow, he placed a red rose in his window the night before a good execution, duly notifying the sick and the curious public of the pending sordid act ? thoughtful, eh? A fragment of the fortification wall has been restored nearby on Torņu street.
