Latvia is a country with many unique attractions. Latvia has many castles and manor houses built over the centuries and form an important part of the country’s history and architecture. Many of these palaces serve as historical sites and each of them is unique in its style, architecture and cultural history. Many of these castles and palaces are open for public tours and offer a variety of activities. Most of these castles were built during the Middle Ages and while many of them have fallen into disrepair over time, some of them are still standing and open to tourists. Many of these palaces have museums that tell about their historical heritage and the lives of the people of that time. Latvia has some of the most beautiful castles and palaces that serve as good focal points for tourism. By visiting these palaces you can breathe in the history of the palaces of the Middle Ages.
10 best castles in Latvia
Latvia is home to many medieval castles. Some of these date back to the Baltic Crusade era, while many of the grand castles belong to aristocrats from the post-Baltic Crusade period. Castles and manors have been built throughout Latvia’s history and here we have compiled a list of 10 such beautiful ones. castle in latvia Which you would like to see. Take a look at our list.
1. Rundell Castle
Rundel Castle in Latvia It is one of two major Baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland. Located in the southern part of Latvia, amidst the beautiful Zemgale plains, this castle showcases magnificent Baroque and Rococo architecture. The palace is amazing in its architecture and was built at the end of the 18th century, its interior was decorated by a Berlin sculptor and Italian painters. The rooms in the east wing, including the White Hall, the Gilt Hall and the Great Gallery, are open to the public. Rundel Castle also houses a museum, which showcases Latvian history through exhibitions. In the exhibition hall you can also see many wonderful and practical art and historical exhibits displayed for the visitors. This beautiful palace also hosts many musical concerts and classical music recitals.
Place: Pilsrundel, Rundels Parish, Latvia
Time: May-October 10am to 7:30pm, November-April 10am to 6:30pm
entrance fees: 100 – 800 euros
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2. Sigulda Castle
The Gauja Valley in Latvia is home to several stone castles. This part of Latvia has the highest concentration of palaces. Sigulda Castle It is a castle that was built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword during the 13th century. The castle was initially built to keep an eye on the waterways of the Gauza valley and was later converted into a convent house by the Pope’s successor, Wilhelm of Modena, in the early thirteenth century. A church was built in the castle and a parish was established. Sigulda Castle,
Place: Pils 18, Sigulda, Latvia
Time: 9 am to 8 pm
entrance fees: 200 euros
3. Turaida Castle
Turaida Palace The Turaida Museum is a part of the reserve. The palace was built during 1214 for Albert of Riga. Earlier there used to be a wooden palace here where the live leaders of Turaida used to live. The wooden palace was rebuilt to create the stone palace of Turaida. This castle is one of the oldest castles in Latvia and is situated amidst a very beautiful natural landscape. There are two ravines on either side of the palace and the palace is situated on top of an 80 meter high rock. If you climb the 27 meter high tower of the castle, you will have a wonderful view of the Gauja valley.
Place: Turidas Street 10, Sigulda, Latvia.
Time: May-September 9 AM to 8 PM, October-9 AM to 7 PM, November-March 10 AM to 5 PM, April-10 AM to 7 PM.
entrance fees: 5.00 euros
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4. Sesis Castle
beautiful romantic architecture of Cesis Castle Attracts many people from Latvia and its surroundings. The castle was built about 800 years ago, during the 13th century, and the town of Cesis grew up around the castle soon after. The castle has a high tower which you can climb to get an excellent view of the Cesis Old Town. The dungeons along with the palace prison are also open for public inspection. Cesis Castle It also organizes many theatrical shows and performances which you can attend with your family and enjoy a good time.
Place: Pils Lokms 9, Cesis, Latvia
Time: May-September 10am to 6pm, October-April 10am to 5pm
entrance fees: 6.00 euros
5. Bauska Castle
Beautiful Bauska Castle Situated amidst extremely picturesque landscape. The palace stands on a piece of land where two rivers, the Musa and the Melemele meet at Lilupé. This palace has two sections. One is the old palace of the Livonian Order built during the 15th century and a newer part built during the 16th century, which is the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Inside the castle, you can see defense systems including several cannons and clothing and jewelery belonging to the Duchy of Courland from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Place: Bauska Castle Museum, Bauska city, Latvia.
Time: May-September 9 AM to 7 PM, October-9 AM to 6 PM, November-April 11 AM to 5 PM
entrance fees: 4.00 euros
6. Ludza Castle
Ludza Castle It is a three-storey stone fort, with 6 towers and 2 forebergs. The castle was built in the 14th century by German crusaders and served as a stronghold to protect the eastern borders of the Livonian lands. The palace is constructed of red bricks and brown firestone, with black glazed brick decoration. While touring around the palaces, you can listen to your guides telling stories about this citadel and a beautiful princess. The grounds of the castle offer a good panoramic view of the city and have also become a venue for the Great Latgalian Market, which is held here every year.
Place: Baznikas Ila, Ludza, Latvia
entrance fees: Free
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7. Riga Castle
Riga Castle is located on the banks of the Daugava River in the old city of Riga. It is one of the largest medieval castles in Latvia and has a long and exciting history. The Riga Palace serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia. The palace has undergone several restorations over time and has gained more and more new architectural features with each reconstruction. Inside the palace, you will find many rooms in Art Deco style architecture while the bay tower is of Baroque style. This beautiful palace is also considered a national architectural monument.
Place: Pils Lokms 3, Riga, Latvia.
8. Mezotne Palace
Mazotne Palace is one of the best examples of Classicism architecture in Latvia. The surroundings and landscape of the palaces are planned with great care and form one of the beautiful landscapes of Latvia. The palace was built in the 17th century and gives a fine Italian architectural feel.
Place: Mezotne Parish, Bauska, Latvia
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9. Jelgava Palace
Jelgava Palace is located on a small island between the Lielupe and Driksa rivers. The place was once the seat of the Dukes of Courland and Zemgale and currently houses the Latvian Agricultural University. The palace was designed by the Russian court architect Rastrelli and is one of the best historical monuments in the Jelgava region.
Place: Jelgava, Latvia
10. Seswin Palace
The Sesvin Palace is another rare historical monument of Latvia. The palace was built during the period from 1890 to 1897 and is an excellent example of eclecticism combined with Gothic, Art Nouveau and Romanesque styles. Seswin Castle Park is home to around 70 different species of trees and shrubs and the landscape is truly picturesque.
Place: Pils iela 1, Sesvin, Latvia
Time: May-October 10am to 6pm, November-April 10am to 4pm.
entrance fees: 2.00 euros
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These are some of the beautiful ancient castles of Latvia, which tell about the cultural, history and architectural background of the country. Check out these castles on your trip to Latvia and soak up the country’s historical heritage while you’re in Europe.
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