Mežotne Palace
The Mežotne manor is one of the brightest examples of classicism in Latvia built in 1802 upon the demand of princess Charlotte von Lieven, a mistress of Catherine the Great. The project of the estate with a park of 8 hectares was designed by the Italian architect Giacomo Quarenghi.
The manor is located on the right bank of the Lielupe River, near Bauska.
It hosts a small museum and a four-star hotel where you can hold various events: weddings, banquets, seminars, etc.
Address: Bauskas novads, Mežotne, Pils iela 1
Entrance to the museum: €2.50
Bauska Castle
Bauska Castle was first mentioned in 1443, when the Livonian Order built a fortress on the peninsula at the confluence of the Musa and Memele rivers (the branches of the Lielupe River) to protect its border.
Fortification complex with a tower and an observation platform is located in the old part of the castle. The new part of Bauska Castle was built at the end of the 16th century, when the Courland dukes, Gothard and Friedrich, reconstructed a part of the fortress as a fortified residence.
The castle embraces a museum with various exhibitions. More
Address: Pilskalns, Bauska
Entrance to the museum: €4
Abandoned Manor Kaucminde
The Kaucminde manor has a rich history. First mentioned in 1459, it has acquired its modern look by the gradual unification of several land estates.
In 1801, the owner of the estate, сount Peter Ludwig von Palen, participated in a conspiracy against Paul I. Until the agrarian reform of 1920, the manor remained the property of the von Palen family. Later, it used to host a very prestigious institute of domestic science, a hospital, a kindergarten and an agricultural technical school.
Beware: nowadays the manor is in a dilapidated condition; the territory is regarded as a private property.
Address: Kaucmindes pils
Admission: free of charge
Abandoned Manor Bornsminde
The Bornsminde manor is located a few kilometers from Bauska. First mentioned in 1462, it used to belong to the Sheppings family and was inherited for several centuries until 1920. After the agrarian reform, a gardening school was established in the manor. Later it turned into a campus and a tuberculosis hospital.
The building has been abandoned since 1990.
Nearby one will find the steep dolomite coast of Lielupe and an old cemetery where German soldiers are buried. On the other side of the river, there is the picturesque “Jumpravmuiža” park with artificial ruins erected in the early 19th century.
One kilometer from Bornsminde manor, in the direction of Jelgava, the family tomb of the Sheppings is located at the Priedites cemetery.
Address: 56.412493, 24.106633
Admission: free of charge
Beware: the territory is regarded as a private property
Mezotne Church Ruins
The Mežotne church was built at the beginning of the 18th century, and its tower was erected in 1817. During the World War I, the church was badly damaged. Until 1930, restoration work was carried out, but during the Second World War the church was partially destroyed.
The church is located on the opposite bank of the Lielupe river across the Mežotne manor and next to the cemetery of Mežotne manor owners.
Address: 56.443105, 24.042869
Admission: free of charge
Beware: the territory is regarded as a private property
Rundale Palace
Rundale Palace is one of the most significant architectural monuments of Latvia located in Zemgale, the southern part of Latvia, 12 km from Bauska.
It was built in the Baroque style according to the project of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli for Ernest Johann Biron, a favorite of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna from the Romanov dynasty.
In 1920, after the agrarian reform, the palace got under the charge of the Latvian state.
In 1972, a museum was opened in the palace and restoration process began.
In 2007, Rundale Palace was inscribed on the List of Cultural Heritage of Europe.
Special attention should be paid to the park ensemble of Rundale Palace. A French garden was laid out in the park in the 18th century, and since then its concept has never changed. Rundale Palace attracts most tourists during the rose blossom period.
In Rundale Palace, the magnificent Golden and White halls are open for visitors as well as the Grand Gallery, the Duke’s apartments and the completely restored Duchess’ apartments.
The museum updates its collections, organizes exhibitions and holds festivals. It allows to rent its premises for banquets, wedding ceremonies and other events.
Address: Rundāles pils muzejs, Pilsrundāle
Admission: €4 – 13
As prices are fluctuating, we recommend to check them out on the official website
Eleja Manor Park and Tea House
First mentioned in the 10th century, the Eleja manor used to belong to the Medem family (1753-1920). It was supplemented by various buildings, including a guest house, warehouse, theater and others. In 1915, soldiers burned 18 buildings of the complex; later, the state decided to demolish the manor.
Nowadays, there are ruins and several facilities left on its territory. In the park complex, you can find Dobumakmens (“stone with a notch”), a century-old oak tree, an alley of 200-year-old linden trees and a restored tea house.
Address: Elejas muiža
Admission: €1.50 – adults, €1 – seniors and children
Vilce Manor and Nature Park
The Vilce manor was built in the second half of the 18th century and belonged to baron Gan. Above the front door there is a coat of arms of Medem – Kaislingers. From 1929 to this day, the Vilce primary school with a historical exposition has been based in the manor. Tours are available upon demand.
Vilce Nature Park is one of the most beautiful areas of Zemgale. The trail leads along the cliff to the ravine with the fast Vilce river flowing on its bottom and embracing a clean transparent spring, exposing sandstone outcrops. The Rukuses river valley is one of the most picturesque places around.
Address: Skolas iela 2, Vilce
Admission: €1.50 – adults, €1 – seniors and children
Blankenfelde Manor and Bell Collection
The Blankenfelde manor was first mentioned on March 6, 1426, when it was bought by Klaus von Medem. Until 1920, it was owned by several landowners; later it hosted a boarding house. In the 90s, the estate returned to the property of its former owner’s daughter – Adin von Berniewicz. Since 2007, the manor belongs to a new landlord who carefully revives splendor to the estate.
The manor houses the Bell Museum and features a park and hotel rooms. It is open for visitors; by appointment, you can also sign up for a tasting of locally made products and find some special souvenirs from local crafters.
Address: Blankenfeldes muiža, Blankenfelde, Vilces pagasts
Admission: €0.5 – 5
All prices and discounts are available on the official website
*Distance: 61 km
*Timeline: we recommend to plan a 1-2 day trip
Route tailored by: jusjka
