It is built on the site of a 13th-century Livonian Order castle, the foundations of which are still visible in the museum.
The palace contains the tombs of 21 dukes of the Kettler and Biron dynasties.
It is the largest building designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who is also famous for the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg.
The building has been destroyed and rebuilt by fire multiple times, most notably during the Second World War.
The structure is designed in a 'U' shape, surrounding a central courtyard.
Jelgava Palace is the largest Baroque-style building in the Baltic states, designed by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. It serves as the primary seat of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. The structure was commissioned by Ernst Johann von Biron, the Duke of Courland and Semigallia, in the 18th century. It is built on an island formed by the Lielupe River and its tributary, the Driksa. The site houses a museum dedicated to the history of the dukes of Courland and the palace itself. The basement contains the burial vault of the Dukes of Courland, the only such dynastic necropolis in Latvia. The palace interior features significant architectural remnants from the original construction despite repeated damage during historical conflicts. It remains a functioning academic institution, impacting accessibility to specific wings.
From the opposite bank of the Lielupe River to capture the full scale of the facade reflected in the water.
Check the university calendar before arrival as academic activities can restrict access to certain areas.
Visit the burial vault to see the preserved sarcophagi, which offer a unique perspective on Baltic nobility history.
Take time to walk around the exterior to view the confluence of the Lielupe and Driksa rivers.
Attempting to enter university administrative areas or classrooms outside of the designated museum zone.
The museum and burial vault often have limited hours or seasonal closures; check official university notices before visiting.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as the building functions as an active university campus.
