Bauska Castle

Bauska Castle (Lang-lv|Bauskas Pils; _de. Schloss Bauska) is a complex consisting of the ruins of an earlier castle and a later palace on the outskirts of the Latvian city of Bauska.

The impressive castle, the remains of which were recently restored, stands on the narrow peninsula at the confluence of the rivers Mūsa and Mēmele where they form the Lielupe river. The first buildings were established between 1443 and 1456 by the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Knights and construction continued till the end of the 16th century.

After the collapse of the Teutonic Order in this area in 1562, Bauska Castle became the residence of the Dukes of Courland, for whom the palace was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Great Northern War, both castle and palace were blown up.

Only ruins remain from the seat of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. The palace, however, is fully restored and can be visited daily during the summer months. The castle keep has a platform with an extensive panoramic view.

Every July an international festival of medieval music is held here.

External links

* [http://www.bauska.lv/i?id=417 Pictures of Bauska Castle]