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Introduction

Table contains information about 138 medieval castles as well as 2 additional buildings (at the end of Courland table), whose status as medieval castles is discutable, but they are declared as such in tourist guidebooks and popular literature. Table does not contain presumable castles - the ones which have been included in earlier written sources - most likely by mistake - or which have been mentioned only in popular folklore. The last possibility lets us to believe that in Latvia there might be discovered some more locations of medieval castles as the medieval written sources contain quite fragmented information about the castles and it is quite possible that the known written sources have "skipped" some castles.

Table has been compiled basing on the data from "Latvijas 12. gadsimta beigu - 17. gadsimta vācu piļu leksikons" ("Lexicon of German castles in Latvia, end of 12th century - 17th century") (1), additionally to castles mentioned in this source there has been included also the old manor-house in Dunalka, which has been constructed at the end of 16th century (4) and Sigulda Hill of the Cross castle - site which has been recognised as a castle in excavations from 2007 (2).

Castles have been ordered in the table in the following order:

Alsunga castle

Alsunga castle (before 1341.g.) is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Latvia

a) by historical regions, starting from the east. I have assumed in this Website that Latvia has got five main historical regions, which, to my opinion, have preserved their characteristic features of cultural landscape up to this day - Latgale, Augszeme, Vidzeme, Semigallia and Courland. Regions have been ordered in the table starting from the east.

b) in each of the regions castles have been ordered by years of their construction (time when the construction of initial castle has ended and its use started), starting from the oldest one. Unfortunately exact year of construction for most castles is not known - here for most part are used years when castle has been mentioned for the first time in written sources. Castles with approximate time of construction are placed in the middle of this period, f.e. castle which is constructed somewhere in 14th century, in the table is located after the castle which is constructed in 1349 and before the castle which is cosntructed in 1351. If castles are constructed in the same year, they are ordered according to alphabete.

Such principle might be controversial but at the same time it gives interesting picture of development of medieval castles in each region.

 

Table

 

Latgale

No. Name Old name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Asote bishop's castle Aszute Jekabpils distr., Kukas munic., Asote hillfort Archbishopric of Riga after 1211 14th c.? Reinforced older earthern ramparts of Latgallians
2 Jersika castle of bishop's vassal Gercike Preili distr., Jersika mun., Jersika hillfort Riga bishopric beginning of 13th c.? after 1375 No remnants
3 Makonkalns castle Wolkenburg Rezekne distr., Makonkalns mun., Makonkalns Hill Livonian Order before 1263 16.c.? Ruins of defensive wall, remnants of well
4 Krustpils bishop's castle Kreutzburg Jekabpils distr., Jekabpils, Riga Str 214 Archbishopric of Riga 2nd half of 13.c. Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
5 Dinaburga (Vecdaugavpils) castle Alt-Dünaburg Daugavpils distr., Naujene mun., Dinaburga hillfort Livonian Order around 1273-1277 before 1577 Excavated remnants of masonry
6 Rezekne castle Rositen Rezekne, between Darzu, Krasta and Dzirnavu streets Livonian Order before 1324 end of 17th c. Ruins, minor part standing
7 Ludza castle Ludsen Ludza distr., Ludza, between Lielais and Mazais Ludza lakes Livonian Order 14th c.? end of 17th c. Impressive, high ruins
8 Krievciems castle of bishop's vassal Ruschendorf Jekabpils distr., Variesi mun., banks of Aiviekste, Krievciems village Archbishopric of Riga after 1354 17th c. Minor elevation of ground
9 Indrica castle of the vassal of Order Nederitz Kraslava distr., Kalniesi mun., Lielindrica Livonian Order before 1471? beginning of 18th c. Ground elevation
10 Vilaka bishop's castle Marienhausen, Villack Balvi distr., Vilaka, island in Vilaka Lake Archbishopric of Riga end of 15th c., stone castle after 1516 beginning of 18th c. Fragments of masonry, up to 2 m high
11 Kraslava castle of the vassal of Order Kreslawka Kraslavas distr., Kraslava, among Aglona, Ganibas and Ziedi streets Livonian Order middle of 16th c. ? Overgrown banks of ruins
12 Daugavpils medieval castle Dünaburg Daugavpils, area inside Cietoksnis district Poland 1563 (?) beginning of 19th c. No remnants, area transformed

 

Augszeme

No. Name Old name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Kaupre castle of bishop's vassal Kaupre bei Abelhof Jekabpils distr., Abeli mun., Abeli island near Kauprenieki Archbishopric of Riga 13th - 14th c. Temporary structure Earthen ramparts
2 Dignaja bishop's castle Dubena Jekabpils distr., Dignaja mun. Archbishopric of Riga before 1366 14th c.? Exact location unknown
3 Selpils castle Selburg Jekabpils distr., Selpils mun., on island in Plavinas powerplant lake Livonian Order 1373 1704 Ruins, several meters high
4 Altene castle Altona Aizkraukle distr., Sece mun., Altene ravine, under water in Plavinas powerplant lake Livonian Order end of 14th c. end of 15th c. Under water, stone walls blasted
5 Fortified centre of Nereta manor Nerft Aizkraukle distr., Nereta mun., Nereta manor Effern family after 1561 Preserved Preserved, abandoned, there is roof

 

Vidzeme

No. Name German name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Ikskile bishop's castle Uexküll Ogre distr., Ikskile, island of St. Meinhard Ikskile bishopric, Livs 1185-1187 1579? Remnants of fundament and basement
2 Vecsalaspils medieval castle Holme, Alt-Kirchholm Riga distr., Salaspils region, former Martinsala island under Riga powerplant lake Ikskile bishopric, Livs around 1188 end of 14th c. Earth covered ruins under the water
3 I court of bishop in Riga Riga, I Bischofshof Riga, quarter among Jana seta, Skarnu, Jana and Kaleju streets Riga bishopric before 1207 around 1234 Fragments of buildings, incorporated in other buildings
4 Veclielvarde castle of bishop's vassal Alt-Lennewarden Ogre distr., Lielvarde, Dievukalns Hill Riga bishopric 1207 14th c.? Rampart, under the soil covered with dolostone slabs
5 Sigulda Hill of the Cross castle - Riga distr., Sigulda, Hill of the Cross Brothers of the Sword around 1207 14.c.? Masonry fundament under the soil
6 Mill of Brother Berthold - castle Bruder Bertholdes Mühle Riga, Latgale suburb, at Maskava Street and Daugava River Brothers of the Sword 1208? 18th c.? Exact location unknown
7 Daugavgriva castle Dünamünde Riga, Ziemelu district, Airu Street 79a (Skanstnieki) Cloister of Cistercians 1208? beginning of 17th c. Impressive earthern rampart
8 Sigulda castle Segewold Riga distr., Sigulda, among Pils and Gaujas streets Brothers of the Sword 1207-1209 before 1621 Impressive ruins
9 Riga, I Order castle Riga, I Ordensburg Rīga, Konventa seta Brothers of the Sword before 1209 1297 Chapel of the castle - church of Juris, also masonry in building at Kaleji Street
10 Veccesis castle Alt-Wenden Cesis distr., Cesis, Rieksti hillfort Brothers of the Sword around 1208-1209 middle of 13th c.? Remnants of masonry walls under the soil
11 Koknese bishop's castle Kokenhusen Aizkraukle distr., Koknese mun., Koknese park near Daugava Riga bishopric, Brothers of the Sword around 1210 1701 Impressive ruins, up to the height of second floor
12 Liepene bishop's castle Lepene ? Riga bishopric after 1211 ? Location unknown
13 Cesis castle Wenden Cesis distr., Cesis, park of Castle Brothers of the Sword around 1213-1218 1703 Impressive ruins
14 Vecaizkraukle castle Alt-Ascheraden Aizkraukle distr., Skriveri mun. Augstie kalni Brothers of the Sword after 1213 2nd half of 14th c.? Separate foundation stones seen
15 Turaida bishop's castle Treyden Riga distr., Sigulda, Turaida Str 10 Riga bishopric 1214 1776, under reconstruction now Impressive ruins, cylindrical keep preserved, under reconstruction
16 Vecdole castle of bishop's vassal Alt-Dahlen Riga distr., Salaspils, north-east of Dole island, near Auci farmstead Riga bishopric before 1226 1297 Excavated remnants of foundation
17 Kvepene medieval castle Kwepen Cesis distr., Raiskuma mun., Kvepene hillfort ? beginning of 13th c.? ? Earthen ramparts, stone foundations
18 Remine bishop's castle Remin ? Riga bishopric beginning of 13th c. 13th c.? Location unknown
19 II court of bishop in Riga Riga, II Bischofshof Riga, quarter among 11.nov. krastmala, Miesnieku, Muku streets, Herdera sure., Biskapa gate Riga bishopric before 1234 before 1582., 1877 No remnants above the ground
20 Lielvarde bishop's castle Lennewarden Ogre distr., Lielvarde, park of Lielvarde Council of Riga clergy before 1248? 1579 Ruins up to the height of one and half floors
21 Red tower of Riga Riga, Roter Turm Riga, Tornakalns district, at the beginning of Jelgava Street Riga City before 1248 middle of 17th c.? Exact location unknown
22 Krimulda bishop's castle Kremon Riga distr., Sigulda, Mednieku Street 3 Council of Riga clergy middle of 13th c. 1601 Ruins, several meters high
23 Rauna Taniskalns castle of bishop's vassal Alt-Ronneburg Cesis distr., Rauna mun., Rauna Archbishopric of Riga 13th c.? 14th c.? No remnants above the ground
24 Valmiera castle Wolmar Valmiera distr., Valmiera, Bruņinieku ielā 2 Livonian Order 13th c.2.p. 1702 Ruins of defensive wall, remnants of foundation
25 Adazi castle Neuermühlen Riga, Jaunciema gatve 8 Livonian Order end of 13th c. 1656 No remnants above the ground
26 Gaujiena castle Adsel Aluksne distr., Gaujiena mun., Gaujiena Livonian Order end of 13th c. 18th c. Ruins, more than 10 m high
27 Lielstraupe castle of bishop's vassal Gross-Roop Cesis distr., Straupes mun., Straupe Archbishopric of Riga end of 13th c.? preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
28 Trikata castle Trikaten Valka distr., Trikata mun., Trikata Livonian Order end of 13th c. beginning of 17th c. Impressive ruins, up to 6 m high
29 Araisi castle Arrasch Cesis distr., Amata reg., bank of Lake Araisi Livonian Order 1st half of 14th c. beginning of 17th c. Ruins, ›5 m high
30 Augstroze castle of bishop's vassal Hochrosen Limbazi distr., Umurgas mun., Augstroze Archbishopric of Riga beginning of 14th c.? 1601 Ruins, ›5 m high
31 Ropazi castle Rodenpois Riga distr., Ropazi mun., Ropazi Livonian Order beginning of 14th c.? end of 16th c. Ruins, up to 5 m high
32 Limbazi bishop's castle Lemsal Limbazi distr., Limbazi, Burtnieku Street 7 Archbishopric of Riga before 1318 around 1950 Up to 20 m high ruins of outer walls
33 Nabe castle of bishop's vassal Nabben Limbazi distr., Limbazi mun., Nabe Archbishopric of Riga before 1318 Tower preserved Tower, roof recently caved, ruins of defensive walls
34 Piebalga bishop's castle Pebalg Cesis distr., Vecpiebalga mun., Vecpiebalga Archbishopric of Riga before 1318 1577? Ruins up to 6 m high
35 Suntazi bishop's castle Sunzel Ogre distr., Suntazi mun., centre of Suntazi Archbishopric of Riga before 1318 after 1633 Exact location unknown
36 Ergeme castle Ermes Valka distr., Ergeme mun., Ergeme Livonian Order around 1320? 1670, 1853 Impressive ruins, up to 12 m high
37 Ungurpils castle of bishop's vassal Pürkeln Limbazi distr., Aloja, Ungurpils Archbishopric of Riga before 1326 17th c.? Low ruins of stone defensive wall
38 Dole bishop's castle Dahlen Riga distr., Salaspils, Dole island, centre of Dole manor Council of Riga clergy 1st half of 14th c. 1627 Fragments of fundament
39 Lokstene castle of bishop's vassal Loxten Aizkraukle distr., Klintaine mun., under the water of Plavinas powerplant lake Archbishopric of Riga 1st half of 14th c. 1st half of 15th c. Ruins up to 2,4 m high, under water
40 Rujiena castle Rujen Valmiera distr., Rujiena, near Imantas watermill Livonian Order 1st half of 14th c. beginning of 17th c. Up to 2 m high ruins of defensive wall, other ruins
41 Aluksne castle Marienburg Aluksne distr., Aluksne, Pilssala Livonian Order around 1342 1702 Ruins, height ›5 m
42 Riga II un III Order castle Riga, II und III Ordensburg Riga, Pils laukums 3 Livonian Order 1340ie gadi Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt numerous times
43 Dzerbene bishop's castle Serben Cesis distr., Dzerbene mun., around the new Dzerbene palace Archbishopric of Riga 14th c.? 1559 Heaps of ruins
44 Gulbene bishop's castle Schwanenburg Gulbene distr., Gulbene, Brivibas street 13, under the church Archbishopric of Riga 14th c.? 1577 Occasional stones visible
45 Smiltene bishop's castle Smilten Valka distr., Smiltene, Kalnamuiza Archbishopric of Riga before 1359 beginning of 18th c. Ruins up to 5 m high
46 Vainizi bishop's castle Wainsel Limbazi distr., Umurga mun., Vainizi, near Pilskalni Archbishopric of Riga before 1359 before 1555 Soil covered banks of ruins, earthen ramparts
47 Burtnieki castle Burtneck Valmiera distr., Burtnieki mun., Burtnieki Livonian Order before 1366 beginning of 20th c. Ruins, height around 4 m
48 Baltava bishop's castle Baltow Madona distr., Sausneja mun., Baltava hillfort Archbishopric of Riga before 1375 16th c.? Bank of ruins
49 Laudona bishop's castle Laudon Madona distr., Ļaudonas mun., Ļaudona Archbishopric of Riga before 1375? 1577 Exact location unknown
50 Aizkraukle castle Ascheraden Aizkraukle distr., Aizkraukle mun., mouth of Karikste, at Daugava River Livonian Order 2nd half of 14th c. 1577 Ruins, ›5 m high
51 Salaspils castle Kirchholm Riga distr., Salaspils region, at the bank of Riga powerplant lake Livonian Order 2nd half of 14th c. 17th c. Part under the water, part under the dike
52 Rauna bishop's castle Ronneburg Cesis distr., Rauna mun., Rauna Archbishopric of Riga before 1381 1683 Impressive, extensive ruins
53 Berzaune castle of bishop's vassal Bersohn Madona distr., Berzaune mun., Berzaune Archbishopric of Riga before 1382 end of 17th c.? Ruins, height around 3 m
54 Cesvaine bishop's castle Sesswegen Madona distr., Cesvaine, Pils Street 1, under the new palace Archbishopric of Riga end of 14th c. middle of 17th c. Minor ruins
55 Rozbeki castle of bishop's vassal Rosenbeck Cesis distr., Stalbe mun., Rozula Archbishopric of Riga before 1395 beginning of 17th c. Upt o 14 m high ruins of tower, banks of ruins
56 Ergli castle of archbishop's vassal Erlaa Madona distr., Ergli mun., at the Ergli hospital Archbishopric of Riga before 1397 18th c.? Ruins, up to 2 m high
57 Mazstraupe castle of bishop's vassal Klein-Roop Cesis distr., Straupe mun., Straupe, building of elementary school Archbishopric of Riga before 1408 Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
58 Malpils castle Lemburg Riga distr., Malpils mun., in Malpils near the church Livonian Order before 1413 1601 Bank of ruins, covered with soil
59 Lugazi castle of the vassal of Order Lude Valka distr., Valka mun., Lugazi Livonian Order before 1431 beginning of 18th c. Defensive rampart
60 Nitaure castle Nitau Cesis distr., Nitaure mun., centre of Nitaure Livonian Order before 1435 beginning of 17th c. Ruins up to 3 m high
61 Zaube castle Jürgensburg Cesis distr., Zaube mun., Zaube Livonian Order before 1437 17th c.? Ruins up to 3 m high
62 Kalsnava castle of bishop's vassal Kalzenau Madona distr., Kalsnava mun. park in Veckalsnava Archbishopric of Riga middle of 15th c.? 17th c.? Separate foundation stones visible
63 Lubana bishop's castle Lubahn Madona distr. Archbishopric of Riga before 1455 end of 16th c.? Location unknown
64 Skujene castle Schujen Cesis distr., Skujene mun., centre of Skujene village Livonian Order before 1464 1559? Fragments of walls
65 Tirza castle of bishop's vassal Tirsen Gulbene distr., Tirza mun., former Tirza manor Archbishopric of Riga 2nd half of 15th c. ? Foundation under the soil, ruins of newer building seen
66 Salacgriva bishop's castle Salis Limbazi distr., Salacgriva, among Baznicas Street and Salaca River Archbishopric of Riga before 1479 1702 Earthworks, hole of foundation of the tower (?) with remnants of stone wall
67 Kauguru Pekas Hill castle of the vassal of Order Kaugershof Valmiera distr., Kauguri mun., near Kalnenini farmstead Livonian Order 15-16th c. ? Foundation of building excavated
68 Mujani castle of archbishop's vassal Mojahn Valmiera distr., Koceni mun., Mujani Archbishopric of Riga before 1503 beginning of 18th c.? Up to 9 m high ruins of tower
69 Murmuiza castle of the vassal of Order Muremois Valmiera distr., Kauguri mun., Murmuiza Livonian Order 1st half of 16th c.? Preserved Preserved, with roof
70 Stabegi castle of bishop's vassal Eichenangern Limbazi distr., Aloja, Stabegi Archbishopric of Riga before 1542 ? No remnants above the ground

 

Semigallia

No. Name Old name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Babite bishop's castle Babath Riga distr., Sala mun., Babite hillfort Bishopric of Semigallia after 1218 13th c. vidus? No remnants above the ground
2 Mezotne bishop's castle Mesothen Bauska distr., Rundāles mun., Mežotnes hillfort Bishopric of Semigallia, Livonian Order beginning of 13th c., 1321. 1346? No remnants
3 Dobe castle Doben Western part of Semigallia, most likely - Dobe Hills Livonian Order 1259-1260 end of 13th c. - beginning of 14th c. Exact location unknown
4 Jelgava castle Mitau Jelgava, Liela Street 2 Livonian Order 1266, 14th c. after 1711 - 1738 Preserved part of basement under the new palace
5 Tervete castle Terweten Dobele distr., Tervete mun., Tervete hillfort Livonian Order after 1271, 1339 1345 No remnants above the ground
6 Svetkalns castle Heiligenberg Dobele distr., Tervete mun., northwest from the hillfort Livonian Order 1286 1290? Remnants of earthern ramparts
7 Dobele castle Doblen Dobele distr., Dobele, junction of Brivibas and Tervete Streets Livonian Order 1335-1359 1730 Impressive, high ruins
8 Jaunpils castle Neuenburg Tukums distr., Jaunpils mun., Jaunpils Livonian Order before 1411 Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
9 Bauska castle Bauske Bauska distr., Bauska, Brivibas boulevard 2a Livonian Order after 1443 1706 Impressive ruins, the added newer ducal palace under reconstruction
10 Emburga castle of the vassal of Order Annenburg Jelgava distr., Sidrabene mun., Emburga Livonian Order 15th c.? ? No remnants
11 Rundale castle of the vassal of Order Ruhenthal Bauska distr., Rundales mun., Rundale Livonian Order beginning of 16th c. 1730ies No remnants above the ground
12 Kalnamuiza castle Hofzumberge Dobele distr., Tervete mun., near Tervete sanatorium Duchy of Courland and Semigallia before 1590.g. 1701 Ruins up to 7 m high
13 Bornsminde castle Bornsmünde Bauska distr., Rundale mun., Bornsminde manor maintenance building Livonian Order 1590 middle of 17th c. Partly preserved, included in newer bulding
14 Svitene fortified manor centre of vassal of Order Schwitten Bauska distr., Svitene mun., Svitene castle Livonian Order before 1597 beginning of 19.gs. Included in newer palace
15 Kerklini palace of vassal of duke Kerklingen Saldus distr., Zvarde mun., bank of Lapezers Lake Duchy of Courland and Semigallia end of 16th c. - beginning of 17.gs. around 1950 Ruins up to the height of roof
16 Fortified centre of Bramberge manor Brandenburg Jelgava distr., Gluda mun., Bramberge Heiking family beginning of 17th c. Preserved Buildings with roofs, abandoned

 

Courland

No. Name Old name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Kuldiga castle Goldingen Kuldiga distr., Kuldiga, Parka Street 1 Livonian Order before 1245 1709 Hill, former premises of first floor under it
2 Dzintare bishop's castle Dsintern Liepaja distr., Laza mun., Dzintarnieki Bishopric of Courland middle of 13th c. 1261 No remnants
3 Grobina castle Grobin Liepaja distr., Grobina, park of the town Livonian Order before 1253, stone castle around 1345-1360 around 1795 Reconstructed up to 12 m high ruins
4 Vartaja castle Wartagen Liepaja distr., Gavieze mun., Vartaja hillfort Livonian Order after 1253 1260? No remnants above the ground
5 Vecdurbe castle Alt-Durben, Lindale Liepaja distr., Vecpils mun. Livonian Order after 1253 2nd half of 14th c.? Exact location unknown
6 Vectalsi castle Alt-Talsen Talsi distr., Talsi, hillfort Livonian Order after 1260 14th c. No remnants above the ground
7 Embute bishop's castle Ambothen Liepaja distr., Embutes mun., Embute Bishopric of Courland 1265? beginning of 18th c. Ruins up to 7 m high
8 Sabile castle Zabeln Talsi distr., Sabile, near bus station Livonian Order before 1282? middle of 16th c. No remnants above the ground
9 Aizpute bishop's castle Bischofs-Hasenpoth Liepaja distr., Aizpute, Liepajas Street 3, Baznickalns Hill Bishopric of Courland before 1290 end of 16th c. No remnants above the ground
10 Ventspils castle Windau Ventspils, Jana Street 17 Livonian Order before 1290 Preserved, in use Reconstructed, rebuilt several times
11 Aizpute castle Ordens-Hasenpoth Liepaja distr., Aizpute, Liepaja Street 9 Livonian Order end of 13th c. 1978 Ruins of outer and internal walls
12 Vecvaltaiki medieval castle Oldenburg Liepaja distr., Kazdanga mun., Kazdanga hillfort Bishopric of Courland or Livonian Order end of 13th c.? ? No remnants above the ground
13 Liva bishop's castle Liva Liepaja? Bishopric of Courland before 1300 ? Location unknown
14 Dundaga bishop's castle Dondangen Talsi distr., Dundaga mun., Dundaga, Pils Street 12 Council of Riga clergy end of 13th c. - beginning of 14th c. Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
15 Piltene bishop's castle Pilten Ventspils distr., Piltene Bishopric of Courland before 1309 after 1740 Ruins up to 6 m high, mainly towers
16 Kandava castle Kandau Tukums distr., Kandava, park of the town Livonian Order before 1312 1750 Tower preserved, ruins of defensive wall
17 Edole bishop's castle Edwahlen Kuldiga distr., Edole mun., Edole Bishopric of Courland 1st half of 14th c. Preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
18 Alsunga castle Alschwangen Kuldiga distr., Alsunga, Pils Street 1 Livonian Order before 1341 Preserved, in use Well preserved, few rebuildings
19 Rinda bishop's castle Angermünde Ventspils distr., Ance mun., Rinda Bishopric of Courland middle of 14th c.? 1730ie Minor ruins, soil covered banks of fundament
20 Talsi castle Talsen Talsi distr., Talsi, Dzirnavkalns Livonian Order 14th c. ? No remnants above the ground
21 Skrunda castle Schrunden Kuldiga distr., Skrunda, town park at Venta River Livonian Order 1368? 1st half of 18th c. Remnants of earthern ramparts
22 Tukums castle Tuckum Tukums distr., Tukums, Brivibas square 19 Livonian Order 14th c., before 1381 around 1740, partly preserved Corner rebuilt as tower, preserved, remnant of defensive wall
23 Durbe castle Durben Liepaja distr., Durbe, park of Durbe Livonian Order before 1387 1701 Ruins up to 10 m high
24 Saka castle of bishop's vassal Sackenhausen Liepaja distr., Saka mun., Saka, right bank of Tebra Bishopric of Courland after 1386 1660 No remnants above the ground
25 Valtaiki castle Neuhausen Kuldiga distr., Laidi mun., Valtaiki, 2km W from the church Livonian Order before 1388 1583 Ruins up to 3 m high, remnants of basement
26 Saldus castle Frauenburg Saldus distr., Saldus, Slimnicas 3, Saldus hospital Livonian Order before 1411 beginning of 18th c.? No remnants above the ground
27 Arlava bishop's castle Erwahlen Talsi distr, Valdemarpils, Arlava, exact location unknown Bishopric of Courland 15th c.? 16th c.? Exact location unknown
28 Droga castle of the vassal of Order Drogen Liepaja distr., Kalvene mun., right bank of Vartaja River near Pilenieki Livonian Order 15th c.? 1st half of 17th c.? Remnants of foundation wall
29 Fortified centre of Stende manor Stenden Talsi distr., Libagi mun., Dizstende Livonian Order after 1528? preserved Preserved, roof
30 Slokenbeka fortified manor of vassal of Order Schlockenbeck Tukums distr., Smarde mun., Slokenbeka Livonian Order before 1544 preserved, in use Well preserved, rebuilt several times
31 Cirava castle of bishop's vassal Zirau Liepaja distr., Cirava mun., Cirava Bishopric of Courland before 1548 ? Exact location unknown
32 The old manor-house of Dunalka Dubenalken Liepaja distr., Dunalka mun., park of Dunalka Von Saken family after 1578 ? Ruins
33 Old castle of Pope (Hunting lodge) Popen Ventspils distr., Pope mun., park of Pope Von Behr family end of 16th c. Preserved Preserved, abandoned, with roof
34 Nurmuiza castle of vassal of duke Nurmhusen Talsi distr., Lauciena mun., Nurmuiza Duchy of Courland and Semigallia around 1598 Preserved Comparatively well preserved, rebuilt several times
35 Fortified centre of Priekule manor Preekuln Liepaja distr., Priekule, junction of Aizpute and Vainode streets Korff family Beginning of 17th c. Beginning of 18th c. Preserved gatehouse

 

Courland, other buildings sometimes considered to be medieval castles

No. Name Old name Address Builder When built When destroyed /abandoned? Current condition
1 Klostere manor "castle"   Liepaja distr., Laza mun., Vanagi Cloister of the Franciscan Order around 1480 ? Ruins of masonry
2 "Castle" of Trommel   Talsi distr., Roja mun., Melnsils, at the sea According to legends - fortification of pirates 14th c. ? Some bricks

 

References

  1. Caune A., Ose I. Latvijas 12. gadsimta beigu - 17. gadsimta vācu piļu leksikons. Rīga, 2004.
  2. Jemeļjanovs E. Izrakumi Siguldas Krusta kalnā un arheoloģiskā uzraudzība pie Krimuldas baznīcas un Kubeseles pilskalna. Arheologu pētījumi Latvijā 2006. un 2007. gadā. Rīga, 2008.
  3. Ose I. Ordeņpilis Latvijā. Rakstu krājums "Latvijas viduslaiku pilis, III". Rīga, 2002.
  4. Rusmanis S., Vīks I.Kurzeme. Rīga, 1993.
  5. Enciklopēdija Latvijas pagasti. 1. sējums, 230. lpp. un 567. lpp. Rīga, 2001.
  6. Latvijas Republikas arheoloģijas pieminekļi. Rīga, 1996.
  7. Latvijas Valsts aizsargājamo kultūras pieminekļu saraksts. Rīga, 1996.

 

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