Castles and Manors

In Mālpils village, 18km from Sigulda town, a renovated estate building. The excellent Classicism style architectural monument and a history museum have been converted in a luxury hotel with 22 rooms and party facilities. 2 rooms for people with special needs. Baroque style park, scenery, romantic walks, fancy meals in the estate’s restaurant, a tea house, a playroom for kids.

This is one of the largest castles in Kurzeme, and it has survived to this very day without much damage.  Construction on it began in the mid-13^th century by the Rīga Dome.  In 1434, the bishop of Kurzeme bought the Dundaga Estate, and from the 16^th to the 20^th century, it was owned by the noble Maidel and Osten-Zacken dynasties.  The Dundaga Castle has burned down twice and been rebuilt many times, most recently after the fire that was set during the 1905 Revolution.  The stone images of a knight and a bishop on the left and right side of the door are interesting.  The hotel, second-floor hall and terrace that is popular for weddings have all been restored in recent years.  There are many legends about the castle, including an elf wedding and the Green Girl.  Today the castle houses the Dundaga School of Music and Art, a hotel with halls for celebrations, the Dundaga Tourism Information Centre and various exhibitions.  Guides are available for tours, and groups of tourists can order tastings of local foods.