Jelgava Palace
Jelgava Palace (also: lock Jelgava, Jelgava Latvian pils ) is the largest Baroque castle in the Baltics. It was in the 18th century, designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli as a royal residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semgallen in their capital Jelgava (now Jelgava ) built. As the summer residence of the dukes served the nearby, also planned by Rastrelli Palace Rundāle.
History
The castle was given in 1738 by Ernst Johann von Biron commissioned and built on an island between the Courland Aa ( Lielupe ) and its tributaries. At this point, a castle of the Dukes of Kettler dynasty and even earlier, a stronghold of the German Teutonic Knights was previously stood.
After Biron was in 1740 in disgrace, all the works were interrupted, although at this time the roof was not yet set up. The work was only in 1763, after Biron had returned from exile, was resumed. Besides Rastrelli, the Empress Elizabeth was active after the death of his patron in Courland, the Dane Severin Jensen was involved as planners, which left the castle classical elements.
The castle was completed in 1772, half a year later died Ernst Johann von Biron. 1779 was home to his successor, Peter von Biron the adventurer Alessandro Cagliostro in the castle. After Courland was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1795, the castle was needed refuge for French aristocrats who leave their homes because of the French Revolution. Louis XVIII. and his family lived 1797-1801 in the castle. Marie Thérèse Charlotte of France married here in 1799 the throne - Prätendenden Louis -Antoine de Bourbon, Prince of Angoulême.
In 1918 the interior of the castle was destroyed when troops of the West Russian Liberation Army under Pavel Bermont - Awaloff plundered and pillaged on the retreat. Severe damage suffered the castle in World War II during the fighting in the summer of 1944. Between 1956 and 1964 the castle was restored with was limited to the building envelope. Since 1939, the castle houses the Latvian University of Agriculture.
Architecture
Jelgava castle is not counted to Rastrelli's better buildings. Critics dislike the rather boring facade, leading off the varied form of diversity that characterizes Rastrelli's work for Empress Elizabeth. Also typical is the lack of parking. Not even the parade grounds is closed, it is open toward the city. Originally, the castle consists of two wings that were connected to the main building in a U shape. 1937, the plant was a fourth building was added, which completed the perimeter.
Of historical importance is the tomb of the Dukes of Courland and Semgallen in the southwestern basement. All Dukes of the houses Kettler and Biron were buried here 1569-1791. The premises contain 21 stone sarcophagi and new wooden coffins. The crypt in 1819 moved into the castle.