Jaunpils Castle

Jaunpils was built by the Livonian Order in 1301 and rebuilt after damage in the seventeenth century, a compact castle around a courtyard with a tower, set behind a moat and a lake in the Zemgale countryside; it was held by the von der Recke family for centuries. It survived into the twentieth century, burned in 1905 and was restored. The castle now operates as a hotel with a museum, and its known offering is the medieval feast: a themed dinner in the vaulted hall with costumed staff, period-styled food eaten without cutlery and entertainment, run for booked groups. A mill, a church and the park complete the estate.

History

The castle is first mentioned in 1411, and its tower was added in the 15th century; in the early 16th century old and frail brothers of the Livonian Order lived here, and from 1576 it belonged to Matthias von der Recke, last komtur of Dobele, and his descendants until 1920 (Wikipedia, Jaunpils Castle).

What you'll find

• The moated castle - the courtyard building behind its water defence.
• The vaulted hall - the space used for the themed feasts.
• The museum - the display on the castle and the Recke family.
• The estate - the mill, church and park around the castle.

When to go

May to September for the grounds and the fullest programme; the hotel runs year round. Feasts are for booked groups and need arranging ahead. Weekends are busy with events.

Before you go

The medieval feast is a themed entertainment for booked groups, not a walk-in restaurant. The castle is small and the museum modest. Restoration is extensive. Events can restrict access.

Nearby

Tukums lies north; Jaunmoku palace is northwest.

Key facts