This beautiful castle (1797-1802) is seen as the most brilliant example of Classicism in Latvian architecture. It, like the Eleja Castle, was designed by the architect of the royal court in Russia, Giacomo Antonio Domenico Quarenghi and the architect Johann Georg Adam Berlitz. The ornate interior was unique for Kurzeme at the time when the castle was built. Empress Catherine II gifted the castle to Charlotte von Lieven (1742-1828) after Charlotte served as governess for the empress’ grandchildren. An agricultural school operated in the building from 1921 until 1941, and it was very much damaged and pillaged during World War II. Restoration began later, when the Mežotne experimental selection station was housed in it. The lovely building houses a hotel and can be toured. Around the castle, which is on the banks of the Lielupe River, there is one of the most beautiful English-type gardens in Latvia – perfect for a stroll.
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