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The Rundâle Palace is one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia, built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence of the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron. The major part of the interior was made in the period 1765-1768. The sculptor J.M.Graff from Berlin and his team made stucco decorations on the background of artificial marble. The Italian masters from St. Petersburg F.Martini and C.Zucchi created the paintings on the ceilings and walls. After World War I there were flats and an elementary school in the damaged palace. When the World War II was over some of its rooms were adapted for a granary. In 1972 the Rundâle Palace Museum was founded and restoration of the palace and French Formal garden began. Restoration is not yet completed and is still going on
79 km of Riga, easy to reach by bus or car.
Monument of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia
Opened to public 1981
Opened daily year round for tourists
Guided tours in Latvian, Russian, English, German and French
Temporary and permanent exhibitions, French Formal garden and open-air theatre
Restaurant and café by advance booking
