Jelgava castle
About This Museum
Jelgava Castle has a history as dramatic as its silhouette against the Lielupe River. Originally an island fortress for the Dukes of Courland, this grand Baroque pile was famously designed by Francesco Rastrelli and has been burned, bombed, and rebuilt over the centuries. Today, it's not just a museum but the very heart of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Stepping inside feels like walking through layers of time, from ducal splendor to Soviet-era lecture halls.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the restored Ducal Burial Vault in the basement, the final resting place of the Dukes of Courland with ornate sarcophagi. Upstairs, exhibits bring the castle's story to life with portraits of its former residents and artifacts recovered from its many phases.
Visitor Information
You'll find it right on Lielā iela; it's hard to miss. While you're free to wander some of the grand halls and courtyards, popping into the visitor center for a guided tour is the best way to unlock the castle's deeper secrets.
Architecture & Building
A quintessential example of Russian Baroque, characterized by its sprawling horizontal layout, vibrant yellow facade, and white decorative details—a signature of its architect, Rastrelli.
Contact & Location
Address: Jelgavas Pils, 2, Lielā iela, Salas, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvija
Phone: +371 63 005 617
Website: Visit Website