Hundreds of years ago, there was a need to defend land and people from outside threats.
Unlike in the centuries prior, technology wasn’t available on a wide scale enough to do that.
All that changed once castle building started to spread across Europe.
Latvia has been part of more than one European nation but has been independent since 1918.
The area has 140 castles built before the 1600s.
So, come along with us as we explore the best of the castles in Latvia left behind for us to awe at.
10 Most Beautiful Castles in Latvia
1. Birini Castle
Located in the historical area of northern Latvia is a Gothic Revival castle from 1860.
Birini Castle is viewed as romantic by many who visit due to the photogenic spot it sits on.
That probably has a lot to do with why this place is popular for weddings.
A restaurant, hotel, and banquet rooms probably weren’t what August von Pistohlkors had in mind when he commissioned the castle.
It was, however, where he planned for his family’s resting place.
The most striking thing about the castle is the salmon hue with white accents.
In a home that is surrounded by green vegetation, those colors really make a bold statement.
That color theme carries on throughout the interior. Many accent pieces bring life to every room.
2. Bauska Castle
Stretching out a legacy through the foundation is what Prince Paul von Lieven had in mind when he restored the castle.
It was the late 1800s and Bauska Castle had been through a lot since it was first built in the mid-15th century.
The ruins of the original building were built into the current castle.
What once sat on the strip of land between waters was a fort built for the Teutonic Knights.
A century later, it was turned into a complex.
Thanks to the back-and-forth of countries taking possession of the area, ownership of Bauska changed quite a bit over the years.
By the time Prince Paul purchased it, the structure was a mere shadow of its former self.
Bauska Castle is open during the summer.
While on the property, visitors can check out the museum, grab a bite to eat, and get the most amazing 360° views from the tower.
3. Cesis Castle
The Livonian Brothers of the Sword envisioned a castle that was big enough and well-equipped for their needs to defend the area.
They started work on Cesis Castle 800 years ago with that goal in mind.
Not only was it a home for them, but it served as a beacon for others to move to Cesis.
Before the castle was put there, it was much more desolate.
This prominent castle made the town, and its people, noteworthy.
Which was probably what attracted the second owners of the castle, the Teutonic Knights.
During their time at Cesis, the community flourished.
The castle is made of stone and sports three towers, one with an eye-catching red roof. Inside is more modern but with an old-world feel.
There are spiral staircases, chandeliers, and a mix of antique furniture.
4. Cesvaines Castle
Just ahead of the 20th century, Adolf Gerhard von Wulf hired German architects to build him a castle.
Original blueprints had construction in the old German style, which was all the rage in Berlin at the time.
Before the project could be completed, though, plans changed.
Looking outside the box for something different, England’s Tudor architecture was the answer.
The end result was Tudor Neo-Renaissance.
There are a little bit of a few different design aspects, such as Gothic towers.
It’s just as interesting to study Cesvaines Castle as it is to browse through the halls.
Unlike many stone castles of the time, Cesvaines isn’t gray.
The stones create a colorful patchwork that matches the orange roof.
The courtyard engulfs you in the past as you marvel at the meticulous work.
5. Edole Castle
You know a castle deserves to be on the most beautiful list when elements are added to the design that has it standing out from the crowd.
That’s what you get at Edole Castle thanks to the front facade.
The steps surrounding the roof windows create a talking point that continues with the carnation pink castle.
Surely, this castle was made to remark on.
The Gothic Revival was built in parts over hundreds of years.
First, a castle was for a bishop in the 1260s.
Three centuries later, a rebuild started that would continue off and on for 350 more years.
So, this is another Latvian castle where you can get a glimpse of multiple styles culminating in the same castle.
6. Jaunpils Castle
On an island sits a white castle with a burnt-orange roof.
There’s a round tower and a patchwork of trees surrounding it.
We don’t know exactly when Jaunpils Castle first came into existence, but it was mentioned as early as 1411.
By 1576, the property came into the hands of Dobele Matthias von der Recke.
It stayed in his family for 350 years before the Soviet occupation.
Luckily, a group of people passionate about historic buildings in Latvia put together a plan to bring the whole castle back to life.
Even better, the public can not only come for a visit but can stay overnight.
Jaunpils Castle is now fashioned as a medieval experience hotel.
7. Rundale Castle
The Dukes of Courland were not happy with just one castle, they needed two.
Rundale Castle is one of those, built in the mid-1700s.
This isn’t any sprawling estate.
At first glance, it looks more like a school or a government building, due to its enormity.
The 138-room palace was inspired by another famous palace in Versailles, France.
40 of which are open to visitors.
Aside from being taken away by Rundale, a walk outside would give you a first-row seat to the most geometrically planned garden ever.
Anywhere.
8. Mezotne Palace
What started as a manor house ended up being one of the best examples of Neoclassical architecture in the country.
Opened for business four years after construction started, Mezotne Palace has been the talk of the town since 1802.
Some of that has to do with the fact that Catherine the Great owned the property.
Before any bricks were laid out, the empress gave the land to the royal tutor, Charlotte von Lieven.
She was eventually a princess, an honor bestowed on her by Nicholas I.
Despite owning such a remarkable place, Charlotte only saw it once. Her family made use of it for almost 100 more years.
This perfectly symmetrical, three-story home is light yellow with a mint-green roof.
No expense was spared, making the interior look as luxurious as the exterior with vaulted ceilings and walls of windows.
Love what you’re hearing? Don’t be a stranger.
Feel free to book a room or host a wedding here.
9. Krustpils Castle
Little did they know it at the time, but erecting a castle in the Middle Ages would almost certainly ensure its eventual doom.
With a multitude of conflicts, it’s hard to find a fully preserved castle from this time anywhere.
However, that is an accurate description of Krustpils Castle.
First written in 1237, Krustpils has a long and interesting story.
Originally meant for the Archbishop of Riga, the castle has been a home, a prison, a hospital, and now a landmark open for tours.
Periwinkle roofs and a banana pudding-colored exterior make it a beautiful place to learn about the area and get great photos.
10. Ventspils Castle
Much like Krustpils, Ventspils Castle has a varied past.
As one of the oldest and most looked after castles of the Livonian Order, the structure has been carefully restored.
A lot of people have been through these halls since they were erected in the mid to late 1200s.
Not only was Ventpils used to fortify the town, but it was also a home, military base, prison, school, and garrison.
Now a museum, the tours teach you all about the area and what the castle went through.
The outside of Ventspils is yellow but the inner courtyard is brick with visible levels containing art and more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the oldest castle in Latvia?
The over 800-year-old Turaida Castle is the oldest castle still available to see today.
Those who built it had a keen eye for detail since Turaida is located on some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Latvia.
It sits high on a parcel of land squeezed between two ravines of the Gauja River.
What is Latvia known for?
Much of Latvia is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Much of that is thanks to Riga and the castle that resides within the town borders.
There is so much history here since the area has been inhabited for 11,000 years.
All the times the area has switched hands and the things the people have seen mean there’s plenty to see.
Oh, they also have some of the fastest WIFI on earth.
What's the most popular castle in Latvia?
Riga Castle has been around for almost seven centuries, which means it has so many stories to tell.
That’s probably why it’s the most visited castle in the country.
It also happens to be the home of Latvia’s president.
Thanks to everyone who has kept up the structure over the years, technology has allowed massive restorations that make it more modern on the inside.
Who built castles in Latvia?
When the castles were built in this part of Europe, it was not part of a country called Latvia.
So, it wasn’t Latvians who made these structures but rather German crusaders.
The castles were built to protect the eastern border of what was Livonia, which was German territory.
In my opinion, the castles in Latvia are not only a testament to the country’s history and culture, but also a stunning display of architectural beauty and diversity.