Rundāle Palace

About

Rundāle Palace is one of Latvia’s greatest architectural treasures, often called the “Baltic Versailles” for its grandeur and harmonious Baroque design. Built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence for Duke Ernst Johann Biron of Courland, it was designed by the famed Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also created the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The palace later suffered damage during wars and periods of neglect, but its careful restoration has returned it to its original splendour. Inside, visitors encounter lavish halls, gilded stucco, and richly painted ceilings that reflect the opulence of 18th‑century court life. An interesting fact is that many interior elements were reconstructed using traditional techniques, guided by fragments discovered during restoration. This makes Rundāle one of the most authentically restored Baroque palaces in Northern Europe. Equally impressive are the formal French gardens, featuring symmetrical parterres, rose collections, and long alleys that recreate the atmosphere of a European royal estate. Today Rundāle Palace stands as a masterpiece of art, architecture, and landscape design, offering a vivid window into the cultural world of the Duchy of Courland.

Bauska Latvia

Location

Rundāle Palace is located in the Pilsrundāle village of southern Latvia, in the Bauska region and about 80 km from Riga. Set in the flat Zemgale plains, the palace is one of the country’s most impressive architectural landmarks. The palace features 138 rooms across two floors, with highlights including the lavish Golden Hall, the White Hall with intricate stucco work, and the Duke’s private apartments decorated in Rococo style. A museum inside displays period furniture, art, and exhibits on 18th-century court life. The surrounding French-style gardens are equally striking, with a central fountain, rose garden with over 2,000 varieties, a green theatre, and ornamental hedges that bloom from late May to September. Nearby, Bauska Castle is just a short drive away and worth visiting. It stands where the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers meet, combining 15th-century Livonian Order ruins with a restored 16th-century ducal palace. You can climb the tower for views of the river valleys and explore medieval exhibitions. Bauska Old Town is also close, offering quiet streets, the Town Hall Square, St. Spirit Lutheran Church, and cozy cafés serving Latvian food. For more history, Mežotne Palace lies near the Lielupe River, surrounded by an English landscape park ideal for walks. Tērvete Nature Park is perfect for families, with fairytale forest trails, wooden sculptures, and playgrounds.