The trade body of merchants known as the Great Guild was all-powerful in the busy port of Riga during its membership of the Hanseatic League. This house was built in the 14C as its headquarters, and down in the basement there remain vestiges from that period. In the 15C, it was acquired by the Black Heads, a guild of bachelor merchants who gave the building its current appearance (late 18C). Behind its richly decorated façade, its rooms are regularly used for receptions.