Castles and palaces representing completely different styles have been established on the territory of Latvia over the centuries. All of them are unique and bear cultural and historical value.
Many castles are open to visitors, some of them have remained as ruins, and in some of them you may even stay overnight.
We have compiled a list of the castles and palaces we consider the most impressive in Latvia.
10. Edole Bishop’s Castle
The only stone episcopal castle in Kurzeme is known for legends about ghosts, the wedding of dwarves and the spooky Red Room in the castle.
Nowadays, it houses the Edole Cultural Center. After privatization, the interiors of the castle, halls and cellars have been restored. The premises and the observation tower are available to visitors. In the park near the castle, you may find the Alley of Love and the Oak of the Dwarves.
Location: Ēdoles pils
9. Lielstraupe Castle
Lielstraupe Castle is one of the few medieval castles in Latvia having survived to this day. The castle was seriously damaged in 1905 and took about four years to restore.
Since the beginning of 2018, the castle has been managed by the Municipality of Pargauja County, and its doors have been opened to tourists.
Location: Lielstraupes pils
8. Bauska Castle
Bauska Castle is located in a picturesque place at the confluence of the two rivers, Memele and Musa.
Now visitors may explore the ruins of the Livonian Order, attend the castle museum and get to the restored tower, which offers a panoramic view of the castle, rivers and the city.
Location: Bauskas pils
7. Jaunpils Castle
Jaunpils Castle was built in 1301 as a fortress of the Livonian Order and has retained its original appearance to this day. On three sides, it is surrounded by a mill pond.
Jaunpils Museum is located in the oldest residential part of the castle. On the territory of the castle and in its premises, various events are held. Visitors may enjoy accommodation in medieval and modern rooms and go on a tour with the dressed-up characters.
Location: Jaunpils pils
6. Aluksne New Castle
The New Palace is located in the very center of Aluksne in a huge picturesque park not far from Lake Aluksnes.
Today, the Aluksne Museum and the Nature Museum “Labyrinths of the Environment” operate in the premises of the palace.
The castle is surrounded by a park with various forms of architecture, pavilions and stunning views.
Location: Pils iela 74, Alūksne
5. Medieval Cesis Castle
The medieval Cesis Castle, formerly known as the Vendi Castle, was built 800 years ago, giving birth to the city itself. Today it is the largest and best preserved order castle in Latvia.
Location: Cēsu pils
4. Jaunmoku castle
Built in 1901, Jaunmoku Castle is located in a quiet hilly place in Kurzeme, 75 kilometers from Riga. The complex includes a park with an area of 9.8 hectares and 6 buildings: a castle or a manor house, a dairy farm, a stable, a barn, a carpentry workshop and a smithy.
Location: Jaunmoku pils
3. Stameriena Palace
Stameriena Castle is an architectural and historical monument in the village of Vecstameriena, Gulbene region. Its construction began in the 19th century. It is one of the most interesting eclectic buildings among Latvian estates.
After the restoration of Latvian independence, it was empty and abandoned for several years. However, the building was renovated in 2019.
Location: Stāmerienas pils
2. 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.
Location: Rūndales pils
1. Cesvaine Castle
The castle of Adolf von Wolf was being built for several years, from 1893 to 1896. It is considered one of the most vivid examples of 19th century architecture, and since 1997, it has been included in the list of the European cultural heritage. As a part of the campaign “Visit the castles of Latvia”, it received the honorary “Castle of Dreams” status. Since 1919, there has been a school here, and in 2002, part of the castle was destroyed by fire.
Location: Cēsvaines pils
(c) Juliana Iljina
