Castles and Manors

The first written information about the estate dates back to the 3rd quarter of the 18th century.  It is known that in 1769, the estate had 14 buildings.  Charlotte Lieven received Mežotne as a gift from Russian Empress Catherine the Great in 1759.  The estate suffered much damage during World War I.  After the war it became an exemplary estate, but its roof and mansard burned down during World War II.  Restoration of the estate began in 2007.  Today Mazmežotne Estate is a beautiful place, surrounded by nature. It offers recreational facilities, including accommodations, dining, banquet facilities for events and seminars, as well as biking, boating and hiking for those who enjoy exercise.  The former stables and barn offer spacious halls for celebrations, weddings, seminars, concerts, exhibitions. One of the buildings houses a SPA complex with a range of relaxing procedures.  The open chimney house offers an exhibition of the history of sugar-beet cultivation and sugar production industry in Latvia. The old cheese house is now a sauna with a relaxation room, a hot water tub outdoors, and a terrace.

This restored historical estate has a luxurious hotel with 23 rooms and the Rose Saloon where dishes are offered from locally grown ingredients.  Pamper yourself in the spa salon with milk baths and massages.  There is a sauna with a fireplace hall, small pool, aromatic steam bath and sauna.  Lovers of sauna rituals have access to a white countryside sauna and a black stone sauna.  There are facilities for larger and smaller celebrations.  There is an area for caravans, as well as tennis courts for athletes.  Visit the Milk Museum to learn all about milk.  You can try your hand at milking a cow and churning butter that you can taste after it is done.  You can listen to a speaking little cow, Venta, who will talk about the origins of milk.  Also resident on the state are deer, sheep and horses named Mia and Mara.  The estate is surrounded by an apple orchard and park, with all trees labelled.  Next door is the Garīki farm, where mushrooms are grown.  It is also worth a visit.  The estate is on the edge of the Southern Courlandian Highlands, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. 

Abgunste Manor is an 18th-century Baroque-style building, located a 25-minute drive from Jelgava. Guests are invited to enjoy stories from the manor’s hosts and participate in guided tours. Visitors can participate in various creative workshops, indulge in authentic "edible celebrations," and stay overnight in uniquely designed guest rooms. The manor is a popular venue for full-service celebrations, offering spacious event halls, a picturesque manor park, catering, decorating, and event planning services. The manor’s owners, Asnāte and Jānis Avotnieki purchased the property in 2016 and, together with the "Creative Haven" association, are dedicated to its restoration and development. Members of "Lauku Ceļotājs" since 2025.

The Mara Estate is in the Turlava Parish of the Kuldīga Administrative district, and it was first mentioned in documents in the 16th century.  The estate was restored in 2006, and alongside it is a park with alleys and large trees.  Comfortable and beautiful rooms are available to guests for overnight accommodations.  Breakfast can be requested.  There is also a separate flat for five people with a separate entrance, guestroom, two bedrooms and kitchens.  The owners offer tours of German castles and estates in Kurzeme, the town of Kuldīga as the jewel of Kurzeme, as well as painting classes.