11. Novembra krastmala, which runs from 13 Janvara iela to Eksporta iela, is named in honour of the 11,000 Latvians, many of whom having never before held a rifle, who on 11 November 1919 finally defeated the armies (51,000 men) of Russia and Germany who were trying to take over Riga. A few weeks later, on 1 December, the invading armies were expelled from the rest of Latvia.
Previous to this time, the street had been variously called Maza Peldu, Gutenberga and Bremiesu iela as well as Daugavas krasts, Daugavmalas tirgus and An der Duna. In the Soviet era, the quay was known as Komjaunatnes (Comsomol, the communist youth organization) krastmala.
On the castle wall, by the Suspension bridge is a plaque, which tells us that on 11 November 1934, (the 15th anniversary of the victory) the quay was named in honour of "the soldier-heroes, who on this riverbank in brave and heavy battles on 19 November 1919 gained victory over the enemy and liberated Riga."
A tram trundles along the end of 11 Novembra krastmala. In the background can be seen the 'hangers' of the central market and the towering Soviet-built Academy of Sciences building on Akademijas laukums.
A view of the quay as it looked in the early twentieth century.
Buildings of interest on 11. Novembra krastmala include
The quay also boasts three bridges:
Vansu Bridge
Akmens Bridge
Railway Bridge
An artistic view of the quay in 1901