What allows travellers to experience an almost magical touch of history? It is definitely something different for everyone, but visits to castles and manors create undeniably special feelings for everyone. Latvia has unique castles and manors built in different centuries, which tell the story of the country's history, architecture and people at different times. We can be grateful and proud: countless evidence of the past have been preserved in Latvia. Each of them has its own architectural, cultural and historical heritage. Many castles and manors are available for viewing, and they also offer a variety of activities.
Both castles and manors are beautiful, informative and inspiring stops worth including on any route. Before visiting the particular castle or manor, we definitely recommend that you review the information on its website, where up-to-date information is available for visitors. It is also possible to find out about the options offered by the particular castle; often it is possible to book tours and even overnight stays.
Monuments of cultural and historical heritage in Latvia
In the Middle Ages stone castles were built in Latvia. A large part of them have turned into ruins, but several, such as Turaida, Cēsis, Bauska Castle and others, can still be visited and even walked around. Museums are often established in castles, which provide an option to view historical evidence, as well as to obtain information about various challenges and achievements. In the following examples of outstanding monuments of cultural and historical heritage.
- The Rundāle Palace ensemble is the most outstanding monument of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia, built from 1736 to 1740 as the summer residence of Ernst Johan von Biron, Duke of Courland - a favourite of Empress of Russia Anna Ioannovna (Anna Ivanovna).
- Turaida Castle: an outstanding pearl of medieval architecture, built in 1214, whose red walls tower over the picturesque Gauja Valley.
- Rīga Castle: a castle to be seen in the capital, which, despite the reconstructions, has preserved its form created in the course of construction in 1515.
- Cesvaine Palace: one of the most brilliant architectural achievements of the second half of the 19th century in Latvia, included on the list of European cultural heritage.
- Jaunmoku Palace: one of the most luxurious palaces in Latvia, a real architectural masterpiece, its structure combines Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau. The building, which was constructed in 1901, served as the hunting lodge for George Armitstead, the mayor of Riga at the time.
Experience medieval activities in castles!
In the medieval castles in Latvia it is not only possible to get to know the history of the Middle Ages in museum exhibitions, but also to experience it in thematic tours and various medieval activities.
- In Cēsis Medieval Castle, during the tour, you can try elements of medieval games as well as try on medieval headdresses. It is also possible to go on theatrical tours related to the exploration of the castle, games, feasts and medieval history.
- In Turaida Museum Reserve you can test your skills at archery in the archery stand, and in the castle you can celebrate weddings and birthdays, learning aspects of medieval life - the divisions of the population, the functions of the post of bailiff, writing skills and medieval manners.
- In Bauska Castle you can get to know the leisure activities of the courtiers of the 16th and 17th centuries: games, board games, Dutch pipe smoking, the fashion at the time of the castle's existence, dress code, manners, dances and music. It is also possible to enjoy meals prepared according to the recipes of the time and served in dishes made from fragments of dishes found in archaeological excavations.
- Ventspils Castle of the Livonian Order offers the opportunity to rent the ancient castle premises for festive events. Pedagogical museum programmes, where you can get to know the history of the Middle Ages, are also offered. There is an archery area in the courtyard of the castle.
Enjoy the architecture in the most magnificent manors of Latvia
At the end of the Middle Ages, luxurious manors were built on the territory of Latvia, which were more like palaces. In the recent past Latvian manors were the centres of parishes or economic activities took place there, but nowadays they have acquired a new life. A large number of Latvian manors keep evidence of architectural achievements, and visiting them is a pleasure for every aesthete.
- Lūznava Manor The pearl of Latgale Art Nouveau architecture, where visitors are delighted by various expositions created in cooperation with art centres, Rāzna National Park and other institutions.
- Arendole Manor: one of the most architecturally interesting manors in Latgale, which has not been rebuilt in recent times and has been preserved to the present day. It stands out in the architecture of Latgale manors with its luxury and originality.
- Mālpils Manor: a monument of Classicism architecture and a repository of historical evidence, which experienced a revival on the eve of its 250th anniversary and became a romantic getaway spot, preserving its historical form.
- Vircava Manor: its construction was formed from the 17th to the 19th century. The manor was the favoured country residence for Peter von Biron, Duke of Courland. The manor was burnt down in 1919 by the people of Bermont, and in the former granary/warehouse from 1920 to 1930 the People's House was established. The northeast building of the manor building and the kitchen have been preserved as one building. Noticeable is the manor park - a 15-hectare Baroque style garden with a unique garden parterre.
Find strength, inspiration and peace in one of the renovated manors
Whatever the past of the manors of Latvia, many of the existing owners make sure that the manors serve as havens of peace and creativity for every guest. That's why manors often have spas, recreation centres and offer other entertainment and recreation opportunities that allow you to relax your body and “feed” your mind.
- Abgunste Manor: the building of the manor, built on seven holy places, is a place of sincerity and creativity, where you can enjoy sensations you have never experienced before. The building of cultural and historical heritage has experienced a lot and nowadays serves as a meeting place for creative minds. It houses various workshops. It is also possible to spend a night in the manor and enjoy outdoor leisure.
- Milk Manor Berghof: a place for peace and relaxation. The accommodation has modern and elegant rooms. For an individual visit, the hotel has a sauna complex with two types of saunas: aromatic steam, wet sauna and a pool. Visitors can also enjoy unique milk spa treatments.
- Berķene Manor: the only manor in Latvia that offers long-term house rental - a country residence, becoming one of the nobles and enjoying a life worthy of the manor. In addition, short-term visitors can also enjoy saunas and spa treatments in the manor.
- Skrunda Manor: located on the banks of the Venta. There is a hotel with well-appointed rooms and a separate building next door with a few more hotel rooms and spa treatments.
Find more about staying at castles and manors here!
