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Rundāle Palace Museum: A Baroque Gem

Discover Latvia's Rundāle Palace Museum: A stunning Baroque masterpiece with opulent interiors and a breathtaking French garden.

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Rundāle Palace Museum is a stunning example of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia. Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann von Biron, it features opulent interiors and a meticulously restored French garden, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of European aristocracy.

A brief summary to Rundāle Palace Museum

Local tips

  • Explore the French garden in the late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Check the museum's website for upcoming events, such as classical music concerts and garden festivals.
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the palace and gardens.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Dogs are allowed in the French Garden if leashed and controlled.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Riga, take a bus to Bauska. Several bus routes connect Riga and Bauska, with departures from the Riga International Coach Terminal. From Bauska, transfer to a local bus heading to Rundāle. Look for buses going to Svitene or Bērstele via Pilsrundāle. The bus stop is called Rundāles pils. The total journey takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. Bus tickets from Riga to Bauska cost approximately €3-5. The local bus from Bauska to Rundāle costs up to €2.

  • Driving

    From Riga, take the A7 highway towards Bauska. The distance is approximately 67 km. From Bauska, follow the P103 road to Pilsrundāle, which is about 12 km. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. Free parking is available at Rundāle Palace. An electric car service is available from the parking area to the palace for a fee.

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Discover more about Rundāle Palace Museum

Rundāle Palace Museum, located in Pilsrundāle, Latvia, is a magnificent testament to Baroque and Rococo architecture and art. Constructed in two phases between 1736 and 1768, the palace served as the summer residence of Ernst Johann von Biron, the Duke of Courland. The palace was designed by Francesco Rastrelli, the architect behind St. Petersburg's Winter Palace, with the intent to showcase the Duke's political prominence. The palace boasts lavish interiors created between 1765 and 1768 by sculptor Johann Michael Graff and painters Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi. Visitors can explore the grand state rooms, including the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the Great Gallery, as well as the Duke's and Duchess's suites. The museum's exhibitions showcase European and Latvian decorative art from the 15th to 20th centuries, offering insights into the region's history and culture. The French garden, designed concurrently with the palace, is a highlight, featuring ornamental parterres, a fountain, a Green Theater, bosquets, pergolas, and a labyrinth. The garden also includes a rose garden with around 2200 species, illustrating the history of rose cultivation in Europe. In summer, the garden hosts the Garden Festival and classical music concerts. Rundāle Palace Museum is not only a visual feast but also a center for historical research, with collections, exhibitions, and publications that delve into Latvia's past. The museum's commitment to preserving cultural heritage is evident in its meticulous restoration and its inclusion in the Association of Royal Residences of Europe.

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