Jelgava Palace, Baroque palace in Jelgava, Latvia.
Jelgava Palace is a Baroque residence on an island between two branches of the Lielupe River in Latvia. The structure showcases symmetrical facades and grand proportions that reflect its former role as a princely seat of power.
The building was designed in 1738 by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, but construction halted in 1740 when the patron Ernst Johann von Biron lost favor. The project resumed later under different circumstances.
The burial vault beneath the palace holds the remains of 21 Dukes and Duchesses of the region along with their family members in metal and wooden coffins. This space reflects the long rule of the noble families whose names shaped the region's past.
The University of Life Sciences and Technologies currently occupies the palace and provides guided tours for visitors. It is best to check ahead regarding access times, as the building remains an active educational facility.
During the French Revolution period, exiled French nobles attempted to recreate the ceremonial traditions of Versailles within its walls. This episode connects the estate to a time of great upheaval across Europe.
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