Ventspils Castle

About this place

Ventspils Castle is one of the oldest and best preserved Livonian Order castles, keeping its original layout since the 13th century. It stands by the River Venta near the port in the city of Ventspils, with yellow walls and red roofs, and it is a good museum telling the story of this important coastal city and the changes its buildings have seen. It was built in the second half of the 13th century and stayed with the Livonian Order until the mid-16th century. Under the Duchy of Courland it became the residence of the city master, and it was destroyed in the Polish-Swedish War. Rebuilt in 1650, it has served over 700 years as a fortress, residence, garrison, school, military base and prison. It was restored in 1995 to its 19th-century look. You enter a paved court around a big square building with a simple tower and tile roof, and a wall decorated with large colourful panels. Old cannon and wells stand in the court, along with a striped sentry box. Inside are chests and historical displays. From the air the castle looks green among its trees, close to the river and the port's cranes and tanks. It is 161 km in a straight line from Riga and 54 km from Kuldīga, a good stop on a tour of Kurzeme. The port is a working industrial one, so stay away from its installations. Check museum hours, especially in winter. Ask before taking pictures in the rooms. Allow half a day for the castle and city centre.