St. John's Church in Riga was built on the site of the bishop's palace of Albert of Riga. In 1234 Dominican friars took responsibility for the original small chapel, dedicated to John the Baptist, and it was extended around 1330. It continued as a Dominican chapel and parish church until the Reformation in 1523, and then served as a Lutheran parish church.
Joris Jorissen Frese was responsible for the interior and exterior from 1586 to 1589, as the church was expanded from 1587. The article says he likely drew on Hans Vredeman de Vries's Architectura for rustication and mosaic friezes, and the facade compositions show variations of the Tuscan order.
The great city fire of May 31, 1677, damaged it severely, and it was repaired with a new spire. It is an active Lutheran parish church and a concert venue.
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