| Coordinates: | 57°23'46,3'' N 21°33'31,3'' E Google Maps |
| No: | 8 (full list of landmarks) |
| Category: | Medieval castles, Palaces and manor houses |
| Address: | Centre of Ventspils, Jana Street 17, approx. 1 km from the mouth of Venta, in quarter between Jana, Ostas, Pils and Peldu streets |
| Year of construction: | Shortly before 1290 (?) |
| Architectural style: | Gothic portal in western block, Empire style facade from first half of 19th century |
| Condition: | Very good, rebuilt and modified |
| Values: | Architecture, archaeology |
| Conservation status: | Archaeology monument of state importance No.2517, architecture monument of state importance No. 6927. |
Ventspils medieval castle - view from north, from Venta
2005.06.12.
One of the few Latvian medieval castles guarding the access to trade routes from the sea is Ventspils castle. It has been constructed by Livonian order most likely in the end of 13th century.
Castle consists of massive tower and four blocks enclosing inner yard. At the same time the tower of the castle can be considered to be the oldest lighthouse in Courland. Over the last decades the castle underwent impressive rebirth and simultaneously - significant changes including modern elements (f.e. glass roofing over the inner yard) and has been shaped as one of the most attractive museums in Latvia.
Chronology
- Shortly before 1290 - most likely time when Livonian order built a castle
- 1659 - 1660 - castle partly destroyed in Swedish - Polish war
- 1706 - church arranged in site of the chapel of the castle
- 18th century - just a part of the castle is in use
- ~1827 - in the third floor of the castle arranged a prison, operating here until the middle of 20th century. Facade of the castle gets its current appearance
- 1870ies - rebuilding of the castle, numerous medieval details lost
- 1990ies - reconstruction and rebuilding of the castle
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