- Address: Lielā iela, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvia;
- Discovery: 1772;
- Website: www.jelgavaspils.lv;
- Phone: +371 63005617;
- Working hours: May 15 - August 31: Mon. - Fri. 09:00 - 19:00, Sat. 09:00 - 18:00, Sun. - closed. 1 Sep - 14 May: Mon. - Fri. 09:00 - 18:00, Sat. - Sun. - closed.
The Mitava Palace is located in the city of Jelgava , therefore it has the second name Jelgava Palace. This is the largest palace in the Baltics, executed in the baroque style. Today it is an interesting sight in terms of history and tourism.
Interesting information
The palace was built on a legendary place. In the 13th century, German crusaders came to the territory of the city of Jelgava to conquer the territory and the tribes. In order to consolidate, they built a small fortress.
In 1616 Jelgava became the capital of the Kurzeme and Zemgale dukedom, therefore the city began to develop actively. The Duke of Jekaba in place of the German fortress began to erect a castle and fortifications for him. The project was so large-scale that even conducted a water supply. It was this city residence of the Dukes that became the basis for the future of the Mitava Palace. We can say that the legendary castle was built gradually, during the ages, than it is even more valuable.
The most valuable legacy since the rule of the Courland Dukes is their tomb, in which the Dukes of the Ketler family were buried, who died between 1569 and 1743. Despite the fact that after this the castle was significantly rebuilt, the tomb was preserved. To date, it has 21 unique sarcophaguses.
What to see in the Mitau Palace?
In addition to an interesting tour of the palace, you will be waiting for a lot of other entertainment.
- Hot chocolate in the residence of the Duke . Tourists are offered not just to drink a delicious drink in one of the rooms of the duke, but to do it in the company of the duchess and her maid of honor. Of course, their role is performed by wonderful actresses, but this still does not prevent you from immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the XVIII century. In addition, hot chocolate is prepared according to a unique recipe developed by the specialists of the Latvian Agricultural University, specially designed for the Jelgava Palace.
- Ducal cuisine . On the first floor of the palace there are business rooms, among which there is a kitchen. It was restored and furnished with a replica of furniture of the XVIII century. Also there are paintings from the collection of the Rundale Palace Museum. The kitchen itself consists of two rooms, each has open hearths, so the interior is as close to life as possible at that time.
- Dorothea's love letters . Dorothea is the last Duchess of Kurzeme. In the palace there is a workshop of her love letters. Visiting it, you will learn some secrets of the famous family and the secrets of calligraphy. And also you can compose your letter and send it to Dorothea herself, to which she will answer you, or to her relatives. It is interesting that the letter is sealed according to all the rules of the time, with a wax seal.
- Shrine of the Dukes . Next to the tombs of the Kurzeme dukes are signs with information about the deceased. In the same room are placed other interesting exhibits - these are garments of members of the family of the Dukes.
How to get there?
Jelgava Palace is located in the heart of Jelgava . Several streets of Liela iela, Pilssalas iela and Pasta sala lead to the castle. It is through them you can get to the sights.