Jelgava castle, Latgale Upland Travel Guide

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Explore Jelgava Castle, the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, rich with history and home to Latvia's University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Jelgava Castle, the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltics, stands on an island between the Lielupe River and its branches. Built in the 18th century, it replaced a medieval castle of the Livonian Order and now houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

A brief summary to Jelgava castle

Lielā iela 2, Jelgava, 3001, LV
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Jelgava castle.

Visit the Jelgava Palace Museum to explore the castle's history, construction, and restoration.
Explore the burial vault of the Dukes of Courland in the southeast basement.
Check the museum's schedule for special events or exhibitions.
Take a stroll around the castle grounds and enjoy the picturesque views of the Lielupe River.

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Getting There

Walking

From Jelgava city center, Jelgava Castle is easily accessible by foot. Starting from Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square), walk east along Lielā iela. The castle is located at Lielā iela 2, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Enjoy the views of the city as you approach the castle.
Public Transport

Jelgava's public transportation is managed by Jelgavas Autobusu Parks Ltd. Several bus routes connect different parts of the city to the castle. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and real-time updates. A single bus ticket costs approximately EUR 1.50 if paying cash, or EUR 0.85 with a credit card.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Jelgava. Request a ride to Jelgava Castle at Lielā iela 2. A short taxi ride from the city center typically costs between EUR 2.50 and EUR 5, depending on the distance and time of day.

Discover more about Jelgava castle

Jelgava Castle, historically known as Mitau Palace, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and a significant landmark in Latvia. Constructed in the 18th century (1738-1740 and 1762-1772), the palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the court architect of Imperial Russia, who is also famous for his work on the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The castle served as the primary residence for the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia.Built on the site of a former Livonian Order castle dating back to 1266, Jelgava Castle has a rich and complex history. Over the centuries, it has been a stronghold, a ducal residence, and even a temporary refuge for French royalty. The palace has 674 windows, 615 doors, 669 rooms and 25 chimneys on the roof. The castle suffered extensive damage during World War II, but was restored in 1956. Today, it houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and a museum.Visitors can explore the castle's museum, which showcases the history of the Livonian Order castle, the construction of the palace, and interesting facts about its historical research and maintenance. One of the unique features is the burial vault of the Dukes of Courland, located in the southeast basement, containing 21 sarcophagi and nine wooden coffins. For a unique experience, visitors can also enjoy hot chocolate in the Duke's Residence, following an 18th-century tradition enjoyed by European royal houses.While the exterior was restored, the interior is more simple. Jelgava Palace offers a glimpse into the opulence of the past and the resilience of Latvian heritage.