Bauska Castle, Medieval fortress and ducal residence in Bauska, Latvia.
Bauska Castle is a fortress and ducal residence situated on a narrow peninsula where the Mūša and Mēmele rivers meet to form the Lielupe. The complex comprises a medieval defensive section and a residential wing that was added later for the ruling family.
The Livonian Order built the original fortress between 1443 and 1450 as a military outpost to defend the region. The residential wing was constructed later when the territory came under the rule of the Duchy of Courland.
The residence wing displays mannerist architecture from the Duchy of Courland period, showing how the noble family lived and what artistic styles they favored. Visitors can see regional clothing and jewelry that reveal daily life and taste of that era.
Access is via a path leading to the peninsula, with information panels to guide exploration of both building sections. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the grounds can be uneven in places.
The collection of 17th-century cannons displayed in the courtyard is among the largest in Latvia and reveals the fortress's strategic military importance. These pieces of artillery show how the site served as a major defense stronghold.
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