Krāslava New Palace, 18th-century palace in Krāslava, Latvia
Krāslava New Palace is an 18th-century manor house built with a main structure and supporting outbuildings positioned on sloping terrain above the Daugava river valley. The grounds spread across about 22 hectares and now house a history and art museum inside the palace along with a crafts center in the former stables.
Construction started in 1736 under Ernst Johann von Biron, Duke of Courland, but took until 1768 to finish under architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The long building period reflects the scale of the project and the difficulties faced during its completion.
The painted walls showcase artistic tastes and decorative choices from the period when nobility lived here, visible to visitors walking through the rooms today. These works give a sense of how residents filled their spaces and what kind of beauty they valued.
The site is best explored on foot since the different buildings and sloped ground create a natural walking experience through the grounds. Sturdy shoes and time to wander are helpful for seeing everything and taking in the views.
The buildings sit on multiple terraced levels that step down toward the Daugava River, adapting to the hillside rather than fighting it. This design shows how architects worked with the landscape to create something that feels part of the place.
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