Riga to Rundale Palace and Jelgava: Private day trip

Built in the 18th century by the Dukes of Courland, Rundale Palace and its Versailles-inspired gardens were designed by renowned architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli - the Russian court architect who designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The palace suffered greatly during the early 20th century, being used as a school, with the Duke’s dining room even being converted into a gymnasium. Extensive renovation has restored the palace to its former glory, allowing visitors access to 40 opulent rooms. Among the many fine furnishings and historic pieces of art, the palace is best known for the splendid carved and painted ceilings, as well as the monumental blue and white porcelain stoves used to heat every room. Visitors can also stroll through the finely manicured paths of the palace’s sprawling French style gardens, smelling the roses and admiring the palace’s striking Baroque facade from every angle.

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.