Dundaga Castle, Dundaga, Latvia

Dundaga Castle is a medieval castle by the Archbishopric of Riga, who gained control over the lands of Dundaga in 1237. Dundaga Castle was constructed next to a Curonian settlement (Dundagas Kalnadarzs hillfort). The exact time of construction is not known, though it is first mentioned in written sources in 1318. It is assumed that the castle was constructed in the late 13th century, and several times captured by Livonian Order.

In 1434 the castle was sold to the Bishopric of Courland, and sold again in 1559 - to the King of Denmark who in turn granted it to his brother Magnus, Duke of Holstein - future Curonian Bishop.

In the middle of the 17th century it was transformed from a medieval fortress to a representative residence of a country nobleman by Anna Sybil (born Osten-Sacken). The third floor was added in 1785. The family of Osten-Sacken were owners of the castle up to 1920.

Dundaga Castle suffered heavily in a fire in 1872 and its historical interiors were destroyed. It burned again in 1905, and was renovated beginning in 1909 after the design of H. Pfeiffer. As a result the castle was modernised and transformed. Since 1926 the castle has been used as a public building - as a local municipal administration, school, and cultural institution. The castle is the source of numerous legends, tales and ghost stories which, in many cases, are close to real historical events.

The castle is surrounded by water on three sides. The fourth side was defended by a moat in medieval times, today it is on level ground. The castle covers 48 x 69 meters, rectangular, surrounded with high defensive walls. In the inner yard a well has been preserved. The castle has been transformed in numerous renovations and does not have a specific architectural style.

Interesting monuments of art are bas reliefs at both sides of the main entrance in the inner yard - made by A. Voltz in 1909. One represents a warrior monk, the other - a bishop.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Pils iela 7, Dundaga, Latvia

See all sites in Dundaga

Details

Founded: Late 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Latvia
Historical period: State of the Teutonic Order (Latvia)

More Information

www.ambermarks.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.latvia.travel

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Kandava Castle Ruins (58,6 km)
Talsi Lutheran Church (32,9 km)
Nurmuiza Castle (39,8 km)
Igene Church (36,3 km)
Firck Palace (33,3 km)

User Reviews

Jēkabs Krūziņš (4 months ago)
Epic Castle. Lovely town Dundaga

Michael Koker (8 months ago)
Not the biggest or prettiest castle, but the personal tour of the castle gave you a good insight into it. Be sure to book a tour, otherwise you might miss one or two details.

Nils Oskar Johansen (9 months ago)
Nice old castle with alot of history.

darius savolskis (9 months ago)
Very authentic castle built by crusaders in the late XIII century after their conquest. It was renovated during the course of history, but you can see very authentic walls, stones. I love places like that. They are not shiny, renovated, but bears all marks of the history. Entrance into the courtyard is free. You can also arrange some guided excursions in the tourism information centre

Steven Keith Kelway (2 years ago)
Very nice place to see and great grounds. To walk around

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Dundaga Castle