Piltene Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Venta River, Latvia.
Piltene Castle are the ruins of a medieval fortress located near the Venta River in Latvia. The complex features two round towers, various wall sections, and foundations positioned around a rectangular courtyard.
The Bishopric of Courland built the fortress around 1295 as their main residence after moving from other locations. This construction marked an important shift in establishing religious authority in the region.
The castle served as a residence for the bishops of Courland, marking their authority in the region. Visitors walking through the ruins can sense how important this place was to religious leadership.
The castle grounds are freely accessible with open pathways through the ruins. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and parts have been reclaimed by nature.
A circular defensive tower on the eastern side has an unusually large diameter and stands in the middle of a wall rather than at a corner. This uncommon placement reveals experimental approaches in fortress design from that era.
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