| Coordinates: | 56°24'12,6'' N 24°10'28,3'' E Google Maps |
| No: | 3 (full list of landmarks) |
| Category: | Medieval castles, Palaces and manor houses |
| Address: | (Bauska district), Bauska region, Bauska, at the junction of Memele and Musa rivers, Brivibas Boulevard 2a |
| Year of construction: | 1443., 1596. |
| Architectural style: | Gothic style details, Rennaisance and Mannerism (palace of duke from 1596) |
| Condition: | Ruins (medieval part), reconstructed building (palace of duke) |
| Values: | Architecture, archaeology |
| Conservation status: | Archaeology monument of state importance No.311, architecture monument of state importance No. 6166 together with the park. |
| Website: | http://www.bauskaspils.lv/ |
The ruins of Bauska medieval castle are seen behind the younger ducal palace
2004.04.09.
Bauska castle consists of two parts - medieval castle (built in 1443) and ducal palace (1596) - rare example of Renaissance palace in Latvia.
The 124 metres long and up to 43 metres wide castle is located in picturesque junction of two rivers, it has got also an imposing system of earthen ramparts. In the medieval part there is located also a 22 metres high tower with wonderful sights from its top. Ducal palace partly preserved a sgrafito style plastering unique for Latvia - it has been renewed now.
Chronology
- 1443 - Livonian Order builds a castle
- 1559 - last master of Livonian Order Gotthard Kettler mortgages the castle to King of Poland
- 1562 - castle becomes a property of Duchy of Curonia and Semigallia
- 1584-1596 - construction of ducal palace
- end of 17th century - medieval part abandoned after lengthy wars
- 1706 - as Russians retreat they blow up part of the castle
- 18th century - castle is not inhabited anymore
- 1973 - started reconstructon of ducal palace which continues up to this day
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