Vecriga, or Old town is the historical center of Riga located on the east side of Daugava River. Vecriøga is famous for its old churches and cathedrals, such as Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's church. Vecriøga is the original area of Riga and consists of the historic city limits before the city was greatly expanded over the years. In the old days, Vecriøga was protected by a surrounding wall except the side adjacent to the Daugava river bank. When the wall was torn down, the waters from Daugava filled the space creating Riga City Canal. Vecriøga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".