- Type
- Castle
- Built
- c. 1290 · 13th century
- Commissioned by
- Livonian Order
- Coordinates
- 57.3961°, 21.5586°
History
The castle on the Venta, close to where it flows into the Baltic, was built by the Livonian Order probably around 1290 as a commander's seat and a base for controlling the harbour and trade route. The square, convent-type building with its inner courtyard and tower stayed in the Order's hands until its secularisation in 1561 and then passed to the Dukes of Courland. After Courland was annexed by Russia in 1795, the castle served as barracks, and from 1832 as a prison, which remained in use until 1959. A thorough restoration was completed in 2001, when a museum opened inside.
What to see
The castle houses part of the Ventspils Museum, with displays on the history of the town and the Order, modern multimedia presentations and rooms with uncovered medieval wall paintings, notably in the former chapel. Visitors can walk round the courtyard and climb the tower. A medieval-style tavern operates by the castle, and the harbour and Venta promenade are close by.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q7920355
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