Dikli Manor

Kocēni, Latvia

Dikļi Manor was the property of von Wolf family in the 19th century. Dikli Palace was built for Baron P. von Wolf in 1896. Covering forms of the central facade are repeating type-lines of mansard roofs' side risalites. That kind of treatment of German Beo-Broque style is not a copy of abroad masterpieces, but unique creation using international language of style and adapting it to the local culture enviroment. Mansard was rebuilt in continous years, so a bit of Baroque charm was wasted.

The buildings of the Dikļi castle are organically complemented by a park spanning 20 hectares. Adjacent to the palace lies a duck pond, which is said to have had a floor made of oak. Mazbriede River begins just beyond the pond, whose ravines contain a landscape garden, also known as the Forest Park. In the 1960s, after surveying Dikļi castle park, it was found that approximately 20 exotic trees grow on its grounds.

Dikļi castle is one of the few palaces and landed estates in Vidzemes where much of the original interior décor has been relatively well-preserved. The palace contains a collection of luxurious old stoves and fireplaces. Dikļi castle was restored in 2003. At the moment, the palace houses a hotel, a restaurant, a spa, a recreational facility with saunas, whirlpool bathtubs and a pool, and it provides a venue for various functions.

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Address

Dikļi, Kocēni, Latvia
See all sites in Kocēni

Details

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

More Information

www.diklupils.lv
en.wikipedia.org
www.latvia.travel
www.pilis.lv

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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Sigulda New Castle (50,4 km)
St. John's Church (33,3 km)
Burtnieki Manor (14,2 km)
Krimulda Castle Ruins (50,2 km)
Birini Palace (47,4 km)
Burtnieki Castle Ruins (15,4 km)

User Reviews

Marko Ponder (3 months ago)
Super place, fantastic! Food is also excellent!
Carlos Guerlloy (6 months ago)
Wonderful, peaceful place Friendly staff. It worths the little higher prices.
Friedhelm Schwender (7 months ago)
Nice old Hotel in a marbeleous nature area
Rimantas SV (11 months ago)
Nice place with lot of authentic details and wifi :) Food was superb, time spend very well.
Anna Grohoļska (12 months ago)
I am giving 4 stars only because of the restaurant,really. 3 stars for hotel. Room: 2/5 stars Although we stayed here in off season (winter) the Princess room costs a fortune for what it is! And it is just outdated room with antique furniture. Ceilings are cracking, bathroom has either too hot or too cold water, uncomfortable old bed, noises from the water pipes... the list goes on. Even in 3 star hotels I have seen better. And interior is gloomy and dark, not my cup of tea. Dissapointment. Breakfast in bed: 3 /5 stars SPA: 2/5 stars (although they will be having a steam sauna and other updates, so that might raise the overall spa level) Restaurant: 4/5 stars In my opinion, restaurant is the best reason to visit Dikļi! A gem amongst restaurants around this area. Menu is local as it can get, interesting flavor combinations. Been here twice in autumn/winter and definitely planning to visit again in summer, when the restaurant is located in another room with a terrace.
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Beersel Castle

The moated castle at Beersel is one of the few exceptionally well-preserved examples of medieval fortifications in Belgium. It remains pretty much as it must have appeared in the 15th century. Remarkably, it was never converted into a fortified mansion. A visitor is able to experience at first-hand how it must have felt to live in a heavily fortified castle in the Middle Ages.

The castle was built in around 1420 as a means of defence on the outer reaches of Brussels. The tall, dense walls and towers were intended to hold any besiegers at bay. The moat and the marshy ground along its eastern, southern and western edges made any attack a formidable proposition. For that reason, any attackers would have chosen its weaker northern defences where the castle adjoins higher lying ground. But the castle was only taken and destroyed on one occasion in 1489, by the inhabitants of Brussels who were in rebellion against Maximilian of Austria.

After being stormed and plundered by the rebels it was partially rebuilt. The pointed roofs and stepped gables are features which have survived this period. The reconstruction explains why two periods can be identified in the fabric of the edifice, particularly on the outside.

The red Brabant sandstone surrounds of the embrasures, now more or less all bricked up, are characteristic of the 15th century. The other embrasures, edged with white sandstone, date from the end of the 15th century. They were intended for setting up the artillery fire. The merlons too are in white sandstone. The year 1617 can be clearly seen in the foundation support on the first tower. This refers to restorations carried out at the time by the Arenberg family.

Nowadays, the castle is dominated by three massive towers. The means of defence follow the classic pattern: a wide, deep moat surrounding the castle, a drawbridge, merlons on the towers, embrasures in the walls and in the towers, at more or less regular intervals, and machiolations. Circular, projecting towers ensured that attacks from the side could be thwarted. If the enemy were to penetrate the outer wall, each tower could be defended from embrasures facing onto the inner courtyard.

The second and third towers are flanked by watchtowers from which shots could be fired directly below. Between the second and third tower are two openings in the walkway on the wall. It is not clear what these were used for. Were these holes used for the disposing of rubbish, or escape routes. The windows on the exterior are narrow and low. All light entering comes from the interior. The few larger windows on the exterior date from a later period. It is most probable that the third tower - the highest - was used as a watchtower.

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