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Jelgava castle, Semigallia Travel Guide

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Explore the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, a former ducal residence now home to a university and museum in Jelgava, Latvia.

Jelgava Castle, the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic states, stands on an island in Jelgava. Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it was built in the 18th century as a residence for the Dukes of Courland and now houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

A brief summary to Jelgava castle

  • 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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

  • Check the Jelgava Palace website or call ahead for current opening hours, especially on weekends and during the off-season.
  • Explore the museum within the palace to learn about the history of the Livonian Order and the Dukes of Courland.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to visit the tomb of the Courland Dukes located in the southeast basement.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Jelgava city center, Jelgava Castle is easily accessible by foot. Head northeast, using Raina Park as a landmark. Walk along Lielā iela, crossing the bridge over the Lielupe River. The castle will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Jelgava Bus Station or Jelgava Railway Station, take a local bus towards the city center. Several bus routes pass near Jelgava Castle. Get off at the 'Jelgavas pils' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the castle entrance. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1-2.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Jelgava. Provide the driver with the address 'Lielā iela 2, Jelgava'. The ride from the city center or train station will take about 5-10 minutes, costing approximately €5-10.

Discover more about Jelgava castle

Jelgava Castle, historically known as Mitau Palace, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture in Latvia. Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace was constructed in the 18th century (1738-1740 and 1762-1772) as a primary residence for the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia, replacing a former castle of the Livonian Order. The palace boasts impressive dimensions, featuring 674 windows, 615 doors, 669 rooms, and 25 chimneys. Throughout its history, Jelgava Castle has served various roles, including a ducal residence, a refuge for French royalty (Louis XVIII) in the early 19th century, and a governor-general's residence. The palace suffered significant damage during World War II, but restoration efforts began in 1956. Today, it is home to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and also houses a museum since 1968, where visitors can explore the history of the castle and the region.Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the castle's history, including the Livonian Order period and the construction of the palace. One can also visit the tomb of the Courland Dukes. For a unique experience, indulge in the 'Food of the Gods' – a special hot chocolate created by the university's Faculty of Food Technology.

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