The Baltic countries are famous for magnificent palaces and castles, which are cultural and historical sights of the northern states.
Surprisingly, in Latvia in a very small area (450 x 200 km) there are more than 1,100 palaces and castles. One of the most perfect baroque structures is the Rundale Palace (Latvia).
History
The first information about this beautiful building dates back to 1505. In those days, it belonged to the ancient family of von Grothus. After some time, due to financial problems, the family was forced to sell the property. The next owner was Ernest Johann Biron, a favorite of the Empress Anna Ioannovna.
The Rundale Palace, whose photo you can see below, was built by the famous court architect of the Russian rulers Francesco Rastrelli. This is one of the most outstanding examples of Rococo and Baroque architectural art in Latvia.
The Rundale Palace was built in two stages. The first lasted four years. It ended after Biron was exiled to Siberia. After his pardon by Catherine II, who returned the Duchy of Courland to him, the construction of the palace was continued. Work went on for another six years.
Separate elements for decorating this building were painted in St. Petersburg, and cast-iron was brought from Tula. Along with the construction of the building, the park zone was also broken. In 1739, trees already appeared here: oaks, maples and lindens.
In 1768, the Rundale Palace was completely rebuilt from the inside. Famous painters and sculptors were invited to create palace compositions.
In 1795, Catherine II presented the palace to Count Zubov. Later, he became the property of the Shuvalov family. Since 1920, the magnificent building has been nationalized in favor of the Republic of Latvia.
In 1933, the Museum of History was located here. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the Rundale Palace was not damaged at all. But in the postwar years, some of its premises were rebuilt as warehouses for grain storage.
In 1972, the Rundale Palace received the status of a museum. From that time to the present, repair and restoration work has been carried out here.
Exhibitions
Today, after the restoration, several rooms of the palace, including ceremonial halls, opened their doors. In the palace itself, as well as in the premises of the former stables and the gardener's house, thematic exhibitions are held. Among them:
- "Treasures of the Rundale Palace". The exposition is dedicated to the art of Western European countries, a period of four hundred years is considered. Here are furniture and porcelain, paintings and silverware, jewelry.
- "Tomb of the Dukes of Courland." The family tomb of the dukes consists of eighteen sarcophagi. The oldest of them dates back to 1569. At the exhibition you will be told about the life of the deceased owners of the palace.
- In the gardener's house in the summer there is an exhibition dedicated to the restoration of the French park in Rundale. It also presents unique photographs and restoration projects of the Rundale Park, photos of gardens in Europe. Despite the incomplete restoration work in the park, it amazes visitors with grandeur.
- "Years of devastation" - an exhibition telling about the fate of the Latvian Lutheran Evangelical Church in the Soviet years. The first part consists of documents and photographs of churches that were destroyed. The second part of the exhibition presents wooden sculptures, church utensils, altars, which are carefully stored in the museum. The third part of the exhibition, which is located in the former stable, is dedicated to the church of Lestine (destroyed). She was known for unique wood sculptures.
Palace Description
The palace complex (including French and hunting parks) covers an area of about 70 hectares. The Rundale Palace has 138 rooms (on two floors). Unfortunately, their initial furnishings did not survive, therefore the presented interiors of the palace are made up of furniture items purchased at other museums.
Three palace buildings, as well as transverse buildings adjacent to them, the gates form an honorary courtyard (closed). Between the palace and the stables there is a carriage yard. On the south side is the French garden, from which you can go through the alleys to the forest park, it used to be a hunting one.
Interiors
Every year, thousands of tourists from different countries come to Latvia. Most of them are interested in ancient and beautiful Riga. The Rundale Palace, located 67 km from the capital, is usually included in all excursion programs.
Most guests note that the interiors of the palace are harmoniously combined with its exteriors: the same refined style and grace of the Baroque style. The main part of the interior was created in the period from 1765 to 1768. Famous sculptors and artists worked on it. Among them are Johann Graf (Germany), Carlo Zucchi and Francesco Martini (Italy).
On the south side of the central building are the duke’s ceremonial apartments, on the north side are his private rooms. In the eastern building are located the central halls: the former Throne, White (once Dance), Golden. All of them are united by the Great Gallery.
White Hall
This room was created as a dance hall for balls and court celebrations. Wall and ceiling decoration of the stucco work of the team under the direction of I.M. The graph was completed in early 1768. Magnificent mirrored windows were destroyed in 1812. They were restored only in 1980. Chandeliers are replicas of 18th century French chandeliers.
Golden Hall
This room was intended for receiving guests. He impressed the duke's guests with elegance and luxury. The room adjacent to this room holds a unique collection of porcelain.
Front bedroom
The furniture in the bedroom is an exact copy of the samples of the XVIII century. Paintings, candlesticks, stoves, watches - all these are genuine things of that period.
Billiard room
In this room, only a billiard table is a remake. It was made in Latvia in 2011, all other interior items are authentic.
Room of roses
The ceiling was painted by painters of Italian origin from St. Petersburg, Martini and Zucca, in 1767. The walls of the room with garlands of flowers were designed by a team led by sculptor Graff (1760 g).
The rooms of the palace are made in various colors. This allows you to not lose the freshness of perception, moving from one room to another. Each of them is a holistic and finished unique work of art of a bygone era.
Rundale Palace: how to get from Riga?
Undoubtedly, the easiest way to get to the famous palace is a sightseeing bus, which regularly runs from the center of Riga and brings travelers to the castle. If you decide to go on a trip yourself, then you can use public transport. From Riga you need to go to the city of Bauske, and here you can choose the bus that is suitable for the time.
It’s even easier to get to the Rundale Palace by car. You can choose one of the two most convenient routes:
- From Riga drive to Jelgava. Then, before reaching a few kilometers to Elea, turn onto P103 and then go to Poilstrundale.
- From Riga you have to get to Bauske. Then turn onto P103 and get to Poilstrundale. Both routes will take approximately the same time.
Reviews
Tourists who have already visited the amazing palace, compare their impressions with immersion in a mysterious and fairy-tale world. Magnificent architecture, exquisite interiors, amazing park landscape - all this is admirable. Tourists only regret that too few rooms are open for visitors.