Jelgava Palace

Jelgava Palace is the biggest baroque palace in the Baltic states, built by Rastrelli for the Dukes of Courland before he went on to St Petersburg. Today it houses an agricultural university, but its ducal crypt still holds the tin coffins of the Courland dukes, open to visitors.

History

Building began in 1738 on an island between the Lielupe and its branches, on the site of the Kettler dukes' residence and of an earlier castle of the Livonian Order. Work stopped when Ernst Johann von Biron fell from favour in 1740 and resumed after his return from exile in 1762, and the duke moved in only in 1772 (Wikipedia, Jelgava Palace).

The main sights

• The long baroque range - the huge palace facade across the river from the town.
• The ducal crypt - the tombs and ornate coffins of the Dukes of Courland.
• The riverside setting - the palace on its island between arms of the Lielupe.
• The university halls - the building lives on as a working campus.

When to go

Year-round, since the draw is the building and crypt. Spring floods sometimes surround the island, which is a sight in itself.

Good to know

Most of the palace is a working university, so you see the exterior, the crypt and limited interiors rather than furnished state rooms - it is not Rundale. The city of Jelgava was heavily damaged in the war and rebuilt plainly, so the palace stands somewhat alone. The crypt is the real highlight.

Nearby

Rundale and Mezotne palaces are a short drive south; Riga is a quick train ride north.

Key facts