Jelgava Castle: A Baroque Masterpiece

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Explore the grandeur of Jelgava Castle, the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, with centuries of history and architectural splendor to discover.

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Jelgava castle

Jelgava Castle, the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic states, stands on an island where the Lielupe River splits. Originally built by the Livonian Order in the 13th century, the current palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century, serving as a residence for the Dukes of Courland. Today, it houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and a museum, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

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

Local tips

Check the Jelgava Palace website for current opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
Explore the crypt of the Dukes of Courland to see the final resting place of Courland's rulers.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the Duke's residence, a recreation of an 18th-century tradition (available for groups of 20 or more with advance booking).

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Getting There

Walking

From Jelgava Bus Station, exit and head southeast on Lielā iela. The castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Follow Lielā iela directly to the castle.
Public Transport

Take a local Jelgava city bus to a stop near Jelgava Palace. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and stops. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the palace entrance. A single bus ticket costs approximately EUR 1.50 if paying cash, or EUR 0.85 with a credit card.
Driving

Navigate to Jelgava by entering the address 'Lielā iela 2, Jelgava, LV-3001' into your GPS. Once in Jelgava, follow Lielā iela until you reach the castle. Parking is available near the castle, but check for parking fees. While specific parking costs are not available, parking availability may be limited.

Discover more about Jelgava castle

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.