Jelgava Palace. Latvia
The largest Baroque palace in the Baltics and a major early work by the architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
It was built from 1738 to 1772 as the residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia.
The palace suffered many times. In 1919, it was almost completely destroyed by fire and partly demolished in 1944. After reconstruction in 1961, the building acquired its current appearance.
Today, the castle houses the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) and a museum.
Guests can take tours unveiling the story of the castle, its role in the history of the Duchy of Courland, and the lives of the Dukes. Tours must be booked in advance.