Unlocking living history: Latvia’s manors and castles

Latvia offers travellers a number of options for exploring castles and manors from different historic periods. Some of them can be visited as tourist attractions, while others offer overnight stays, gourmet meals and even SPA experiences. 

Each of the castles and manors in Latvia has its own history, its own story and its own magic. We’ve put together a non-exhaustive shortlist of some of the many options open to travellers.

Arendole manor is located on the bank of the picturesque Dubna river and surrounded by a hundred-year-old park. The manor is one of the most architecturally interesting in Latgale, standing out for its originality and authenticity. The manor remains architecturally intact with no renovations, preserving its historic aesthetic. It offers accommodation in the “gentlemen’s rooms”, which provide a historic setting and the tranquility of the countryside. Visitors can also enjoy the historic black sauna on the river bank.

When heading in the direction of Kuldīga, Virka Manor is a great place to spend the night. This manor was constructed as a summer manor by applying the stylistic examples of Swiss house architecture and is the only wooden manor in Kuldīga. Throughout the manor and its park, the owners have tried to combine the historic spirit with modern furnishings to ensure that guests can enjoy a rich experience and comfortable stay. Since 2014, the manor has been granted the status of an architectural monument of local significance. Visitors who choose Virka Manor as their accommodation can decide between the 22 rooms available in different styles, spaces and designs. At just 155km from Riga, Virka Manor is an ideal weekend getaway.

Staying at Liepupe Manor is a special event for architecture fans. The manor house was built in 1751 and is one of the best-preserved baroque manors in Vidzeme. The architect was Johan Andreas Haberland, a bricklayer from Riga, and the current owners take the historic preservation of the site seriously. Liepupe Manor is a place to enjoy time with loved ones, go on leisurely walks in the manor park, read a book in the hammock, paint or go on a trip on the “Ērenpreiss” bicycles made in Latvia. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the manor restaurant as well as the SPA treatments. A place for rest and relaxation.

One of the most luxurious castles in Latvia is Jaunmoku Castle. Built in 1901, the architecture combines neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The castle served as the hunting lodge for George Armitstead, the mayor of Riga at the time. Today it is equipped for the needs of modern visitors and it is possible to spend the night in luxurious rooms. A true oasis of peace and romance, Jaunmoku Castle offers its visitors educational activities and excursions in the castle museum and park, as well as gourmet meals in the restaurant.

For travellers focusing more on charm than luxury, the creative residence of Abgunste Manor is ideal for relaxation or spending the night as it offers several apartments. The building is a treasure that has been hidden for decades with stories hundreds of years old. The manor has been undergoing restoration work since 2016 and visitors will enjoy the historic structures, exposed walls and antique furniture. Abgunste Manor hosts art symposia, creative camps and a celebration of life.

Stand N7-409