Cesvaine Palace, Cesvaine, Latvia

Cesvaine Palace was built in 1896 for the German baron Emil von Wulf (not to be confused with the von Wolf baronial family). Authors of the project were architects Hans Grisebach and August Dinklage from Berlin. The palace is built in the late Tudor Neo-Renaissance style. It is located next to the old medieval castle ruins, remains from the old bishops castle.

At the end of the 19th century, Germany abandoned the reproduction of old German prototypes and turned to England in search of inspiration, namely to late Tudor-style architecture. The style had preserved certain Gothic elements. Picturesque frames, towers and turrets of different forms and sizes, high decorative chimneys and steep roofs were all characteristic features of the style.

Cesvaine Palace is an impressive construction representing this trend in Latvia. Abandoning forms of the German renaissance, Griesebach created an unusual, noble and welcoming construction. It is a romantic and picturesque building, and its architecture harmonizes with the landscape. The palace is built of stone, skilfully using the colour and texture of the material. The building is renowned not only for its size and frame, but also for the quality of construction. The facades of the palace is made in the medieval style, so the palace leaves the impression of a medieval fortification.

The palace has survived all revolutions and wars of the twentieth century, so interiors were almost in perfect condition. Unfortunately in 2002 the palace suffered heavily in a fire. All of the roof and second floor was destroyed and the first floor was seriously damaged. But, many interior elements survived and will be restored. Although restoration works has started, due to the lack of finances they are proceeding very slowly. The last few decades there was a local secondary school housed in the palace.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Pils iela 1, Cesvaine, Latvia

See all sites in Cesvaine

Details

Founded: 1896
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Latvia
Historical period: Part of the Russian Empire (Latvia)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
travelinos.com
www.pilis.lv
www.latvia.travel

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Krustpils Castle (58 km)
Varaklani Palace (49,2 km)
Vecpiebalga Castle (31,4 km)

User Reviews

Lasura (7 months ago)
A great place to visit, magically beautiful, lots to explore. I absolutely loved the uncovered old wall murals. The old woodwork is masterful (windows, decorations). Very helpful staff both at the palace and the local tourist information stop.

Grip Production (13 months ago)
You love some quite and mysterious places? The atmosphere of creepy empty hallways inside castle filled with history, feeling that there are so much secrets around, many people and events passed by the room you're standing in, that's all is there for sure. Not much interaction and decorations around but it's working for me even better. The opportunity to go to the basement without light, go upstairs to the tower and have a great view, and during whole journey you find some rooms you haven't visited yet. I believe it will get better with time (with better financing). Only con is it's pretty far from Riga but it's worth it to spend couple hours on the road for sure.

Salusha (16 months ago)
It was really surprise for us to find such a beautiful castle! Interesting history, after reconstruction now. Worth seeing;)

Azar Safarov (16 months ago)
One of the beautiful buildings in Latvia. There are a lot of castles in latvia but this one is different. Unfortunately we were not able to be inside because it was late and castle was closed. Also, there is a river behind the castle.

david howells (17 months ago)
Beautiful on the outside, simply one of the best out there. However not much to see on the inside. The potential is there but it would need the investment for renovation and exhibitions. €5 entry fee.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright alexbrn

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Cesvaine Palace