| Coordinates: | 56°30'40,2'' N 25°51'31,7'' E Google Maps |
| No: | 11 (full list of landmarks) |
| Category: | Medieval castles, Palaces and manor houses |
| Address: | (Jekabpils district), Jekabpils, Krustpils, Riga Street 214, left bank of Daugava at the mouth of Donavina (Dzirnupite) stream, some 200 metres east from the Krustpils Lutheran church |
| Year of construction: | Archaeology monument of state importance No.904, architecture monument of state importance No.6308. (together with the Lutheran church) |
| Condition: | Good |
| Values: | Architecture, archaeology |
| Conservation status: | Archaeology monument of state importance No.904, architecture monument of state importance No.6308. (together with the Lutheran church) |
Krustpils medieval castle - view from the north-west
2008.04.19.
One of the best preserved medieval castles in Latvia is Krustpils castle - for most part of 20th century it was under the authority of different armies and thus escaped rebuilding and extensive repairs, thus reaching a status of ruins but also preserving the heritage of former centuries.
Most likely the castle is built at the end of 13th century as a castle of Riga Archbishopric but in next centuries it was an apple of discord between Livonian order and Riga Archbishopric. At the end of medieval times it became a property of Korff family, obtained Barocco features and in perfect condition survived up to the 20th century.
When the castle together with surrounding landscape and buildings will be renewed, Latvia would gain one of its most impressive and interesting complexes of architecture.
Chronology
- Between 1255 and 1297 - Krustpils castle built by Riga Archbishopric
- 1585 - King of Poland grants the castle to Nikolai von Korff
- 1849 - the last significant rebuilding of the castle so far
- 1921 - castle transferred to Latvian army, later managed also by other armies
- 13th April 1994 - castle comes under the management of Jekabpils museum
More information...