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Mežotne Palace: A Neoclassical Gem in Latvia

Discover Mežotne Palace: A stunning Neoclassical manor with a rich history and beautiful park in the heart of Latvia's Semigallia region.

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Mežotne Palace, located in the Bauska Municipality of Latvia, is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture. Built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the palace boasts a rich history and beautiful English-style landscape park, making it a must-see destination for tourists.

A brief summary to Mežotne Palace

  • Pils iela 1, Mežotne, Mežotne parish, Bauska Municipality, 3918, LV

Local tips

  • Explore the English-style landscape park surrounding the palace, featuring three distinct sections: a parade yard, a summer park, and a winter park.
  • Visit the Mežotne hillfort on the opposite bank of the Lielupe River, connected to the palace by a pedestrian bridge during the summer season.
  • Check the palace's opening hours, as they vary depending on the season. Note that the palace is closed on January 1st, December 24th, and December 25th.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Riga, take a direct bus from Rīgas SAO to Mežotne. The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, and tickets cost between $3 and $4. The bus arrives directly in Mežotne, a short walk from the palace.

  • Car

    From Riga, drive along the A7 highway towards Bauska. Continue on the A7 until you reach Mežotne. The drive is approximately 66.4 km and takes around 56 minutes. Parking is available near the palace. Parking costs are approximately €2 per hour.

  • Public Transport

    From Rundāle Palace, take the bus from Rundāles pils to Bauskas AO. Then, transfer to another bus from Bauskas AO to Mežotne. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes and costs between $2 and $4.

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Discover more about Mežotne Palace

Mežotne Palace, or Mežotnes pils, stands as one of Latvia's most prominent examples of Neoclassical architecture. Situated in the picturesque Semigallia region, in Mežotne Parish, Bauska Municipality, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into the opulence of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The palace's history dates back to 1795 when Empress Catherine II of Russia granted the Mežotne estate to Charlotte von Lieven, as a reward for tutoring her grandchildren. In 1797, Emperor Paul I turned it into the hereditary estate of the Lieven family. Construction of the current manor house began in 1797, overseen by architect Johann Georg Adam Berlitz, who used Giacomo Quarenghi's Neoclassical design for Eleja Palace as inspiration, adding side avant-corps to the structure. The construction was completed in 1802, with interior decorations continuing until 1817. The palace features a portico with four columns on its front facade and a semi-rotunda facing the park, both designed by Giacomo Quarenghi. The bel étage is located on the first floor, accessible via a staircase built in the second half of the 19th century. The domed main hall extends over two stories and is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The palace suffered damage during the 20th century, including looting in 1919 and partial destruction during World War II. It was later used as an agricultural school and taken over by the Latvian Agricultural Experiment Station. Restoration work began in 1958. Today, Mežotne Palace is not only a historical landmark but also a hotel, restaurant, and event venue. Visitors can explore the palace, wander through its English-style landscape park, and appreciate the harmonious blend of architecture and nature. The park boasts three sections: a parade yard, a summer park, and a winter park. A pedestrian bridge connects the palace to the ancient Semigallian hillfort on the opposite bank of the Lielupe River during the summer.

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