Rundāle Palace
Rundāles pils
Often called the 'Versailles of the Baltic', this Baroque palace by Rastrelli is dazzling, with its golden hall and French-style gardens and rose garden.
Rundāle Palace stands about 75 km south of Riga, near Bauska. Built between 1736 and 1768 for Duke Ernst Johann von Biron of Courland by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the designer of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, it is Latvia's most important Baroque and Rococo palace. Inside, the Golden Hall, the White Ballroom and the duke's bedchamber are lavishly decorated. To the east, the formal French garden includes a rose garden with about 2,400 varieties, which is at its best in June and July. Ticket prices depend on the route you choose (short, long or garden), ranging from about 10 to 25 euros (check the official website). There is no direct bus, so you need to travel to Bauska first and then change buses. Driving or joining a day tour is recommended, and you can combine the trip with a visit to Bauska Castle.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–18:00 (longer in summer, shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Kalnciema Quarter
- National Library of Latvia (Castle of Light)
- Spīķeri Creative Quarter
- Riga Central Market
- Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square
- St. Peter's Church