Not unlike other Hanseatic cities across the Baltic Sea region, Riga has had a representation of Roland, the semi-fictional paladin of Charlemagne’s court, since medieval times. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that a permanent statue of this protector figure was erected on Town Hall Square. The real Roland was a close confidant of the Holy Roman Emperor and died at the Battle of Roncevaux in 778. He was later glorified in the so-called Matter of France, a work of medieval literature that painted the military man as a just protector of the people. The current statue is a replica of the original, which is housed a short walk away in St. Peter’s Church, and includes a drinking fountain at its base (just press the button).