4. Castles of Zemgale.

Architecture of the18th century in Jelgava and Rundale – one of the most famous masterpieces of Italian architect Franchesko Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Nowadays it is a cultural and historical heritage of Latvia.

Itinerary of excursion:

Departure from Riga in an early morning. We are taking a road through administrative region, which is historically called Courland. During the passage we hear about the history of Kurzeme. In the 18th century Mitava united lands, which belonged to Russia.
We will see over the Castle of Jelgava – residence of Courland Earls – and will reveal the hallmarks of architectural composition of Mitavas castle.
Visitation of Rundales castle. We will learn something about the history of its projection and construction. Rundale is famous work of genius - F.B Rastrelli. Rundale was built on several stages. At the beginning, when architect wasn’t so famous yet, in Rundale he materialized all his marvellous ideas. Later these ideas were used in construction of Winter Palace in Russia. Rundale was summer residence of Earl Johan Ernest Biron. He was protégé of Russian empress Anna Joanovna. You will hear about the history of Russia and Kurzeme in the 18th century.
The Castles of Jelgava and Rundale are striking examples of baroque and rococo times; there are also the best architectural samples of castle parks in Latvia.
At the evening we return to Riga.