Castles and Manors

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.

Located in Rāmava in the Ķekava Parish, the estate dates back to the 15th century.  In 1723, it belonged to a pastor from Rīga, Depkin, who gave it its name.  The two-story mansion at the estate was built in the style of Classicism in the 19th century and has been restored.  It is one of the best-preserved estates in the Pārdaugava region of Latvia.  The estate once had some 10 buildings, but only the mansion and the surrounding park remain.  The Baltic German writer, publicist and aristocrat Garlieb Merkel  spent much of his life (1808-1850) at the estate.  The Rāmava Estate offers accommodations (12 larger and smaller rooms for overnight), seminar facilities, a campsite and a venue for celebrations and photography sessions.