Jelgava Castle: A Baroque Masterpiece

Jelgava Castle, historically known as Mitau Palace, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture in Latvia. The castle's story began in 1265 when the Livonian Order constructed a castle on this strategic island. This location, where the Lielupe River divides, had been inhabited since the 10th century and was chosen to build a stronghold against the Semigallians.Over the centuries, the castle transformed from a medieval fortress to a luxurious palace. In the 18th century, Duke Ernst Johann von Biron commissioned Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect behind the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, to design a new palace on the site. Construction occurred in two phases: 1738-1740 and 1762-1772. The result was the largest Baroque palace in the Baltic states, boasting 674 windows, 615 doors, and 669 rooms.Jelgava Palace has witnessed significant historical events. It served as a residence for the Dukes of Courland and even provided refuge for Louis XVIII, the future King of France, in the early 19th century. The palace suffered considerable damage during World War II, but restoration efforts began in 1956. Today, Jelgava Palace is home to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Visitors can explore the palace museum, which showcases the history of the Livonian Order castle, the construction of the palace, and interesting facts about its historical research and maintenance. The crypt of the Dukes of Courland, located in the southeast basement, houses the sarcophagi of rulers from the Kettler and Biron dynasties, dating back to the 16th century.