Jelgava

About

First settled around the 10th century, Jelgava is one of Latvia’s oldest cities. In the 16th century, the town became a Ducal capital, and would serve as a Ducal residence until 1795. In 1937, Duke Ernst-Johann Biron had Russian court architect Rastrelli design the Baroque Jelgava Palace, which is the single largest architectural monument in the Baltic state. Having suffered several fires, the palace is still being renovated, though visitors can still step inside the finished rooms to learn about the history of the town and palace. It’s also possible to pay a visit to the Dukes’ secret crypt, enjoy a hot chocolate with the ladies of the court, or learn the secrets of writing love-letters in the 19th century (prior arrangement required: http://www.visit.jelgava.lv/en/sightseeing/muzeji-un-ekspozicijas/item/79-jelgavas-pils-un-latvijas-lauksaimniecibas-universitates-muzejs). The city’s other main historic monument is the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower, which has three historical expositions spread out over its 9 floors.