Rundale Palace
A monument to Russian 18th century aristocratic ostentatiousness. Badly damaged in the Latvian War of Independence of 1919 and unloved by the Soviets after WWII – they used it as a grain storehouse, it has only recently been restored to its former grandeur. It was designed by the Italian architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who was also responsible for the Winter Palace (Hermitage) in St Petersburg. It is the Baltic’s most fabulous palace. Beyond being one of Latvia’s main tourist attractions.
We had a tremendously enthusiastic, witty & engaging guide on the tour of the Palace. He made it all come alive with his anecdotes: his explanation of the intricacies of 18th & 19th century court shenanigans with what the ladies indicated to their beaus with their different fan movements had us all in stitches.
The Royal gardens were inspired by those at Versailles
The Stables
