Jelgava tells its story in very different places: in the former residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia, in historic exhibitions and in preserved wooden buildings. Other highlights include an island area in the city centre, demonstrations of traditional weaving and the Lielupe floodplain meadows behind the palace. Jelgava therefore brings cultural history and craftsmanship together with themes from the natural world.

Baroque Palace and Historic Exhibitions

Jelgava Palace was the former residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia. It is the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics. The palace has housed a museum since 1968. Its exhibition covers the history of the 13th-century castle of the Livonian Order, the construction of Jelgava Palace, historical research and its preservation.

Tours of the palace explore its construction, significance in the Duchy of Courland, architecture and interiors, as well as its historical residents. These themes offer different ways to explore the same building: from its origins and political significance to the design of its rooms. As tour details may change, check which tours are currently available before your visit.

The tower of the Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava also connects the city’s history with views across the city. It houses interactive historical exhibitions about the national costume of Semigallia and the history of Jelgava and the church. On the ninth floor, a viewing platform with a glass floor offers views of Jelgava.

Buildings and City History

The Ģederts Eliass History and Art Museum is housed in the historic Academia Petrina building, constructed in 1775. The permanent exhibition includes works by Latvian painter Ģederts Eliass (1887–1975). The history of the museum building and the work of an artist come together here in a permanent exhibition.

Another trace of history can be found on Vecpilsētas Street. Construction there began in the 18th century and continued until the beginning of the 20th century. A concentration of old buildings, along with distinctive architectural, artistic and historical features, has been preserved. At 14 Vecpilsētas Street stands a wooden house dating from the late 18th century. It is a nationally significant architectural monument and one of the oldest surviving wooden houses in Jelgava. The street and the individual house show two different scales of city history: the development of a built-up area over a long period and a specific, dated residence.

Pasta Island and the Lielupe Floodplain Meadows

Pasta Island is a nine-hectare urban area in the centre of Jelgava. The Mītava Bridge connects the city centre to the island; it has a span of 152 metres. Alongside the historic buildings, the island offers another perspective on Jelgava: a centrally located urban area and a bridge with a clearly stated span.

The Lielupe floodplain meadows lie behind Jelgava Palace. They are designated as a Natura 2000 site because of the diversity of rare bird and plant species. More than 80 wild horses graze in the floodplain meadows on the island behind the palace; their number may change. The protected-site status reflects the diversity of species, while the horses offer a tangible connection to the wildlife of the floodplain.

Weaving and Sweets

Demonstrations of weaving are held daily at the House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts in Jelgava. Patterned Semigallian twill and the weaving technique used on Pēteris Viļumsons’s semi-automatic single-beam looms are included in Latvia’s list of intangible cultural heritage values. The demonstrations bring a practical dimension to the subject; the two listings point to the cultural significance of these weaving traditions.

Jelgava’s Candy Workshop offers a different kind of hands-on experience: visitors can sample caramel and other sweets and make their own caramel. The experiences differ not only in subject but also in format: after the weaving demonstrations, visitors can enjoy a tasting and the opportunity to make caramel themselves.

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