Discover Jelgava
Accommodation in Jelgava
Jelgava brings together several different visitor interests: the former ducal residence at Jelgava Palace, museums and preserved historic buildings, as well as the Lielupe floodplain meadows. Other attractions include weaving and confectionery. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus mainly on architecture and urban history, exhibitions, a view over Jelgava, or nature. You can then use these interests to guide your hotel search.
The Palace and Ducal History
Jelgava Palace was the former residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia and is the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics. It has housed a museum since 1968. Its exhibition covers the history of the 13th-century castle of the Livonian Order, the construction of Jelgava Palace, historical research, and its preservation.
Guided tours of Jelgava Palace cover its construction, its significance in the Duchy of Courland, its architecture and interiors, and its historical residents. If you plan to take a tour, check the latest information about its content; tour details may change.
Museums, a Tower, and Historic Houses
History and city views come together in the tower of the Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava: it houses interactive historical exhibitions about the national costume of Semigallia and the history of Jelgava and the church. The glass-floored panorama on the ninth floor offers views over Jelgava.
The Ģederts Eliass History and Art Museum is located in the historic Academia Petrina building, constructed in 1775. Its permanent exhibition includes works by Latvian painter Ģederts Eliass (1887–1975).
Vecpilsētas Street adds residential architecture to the museum and tower attractions. The wooden house at 14 Vecpilsētas Street dates from the late 18th century, is a nationally significant architectural monument, and is one of the oldest surviving wooden houses in Jelgava. Construction along the street began in the 18th century and continued until the early 20th century; a dense collection of old buildings and distinctive architectural, artistic, and historical features have been preserved. This offers a change of perspective, from an individual house to a streetscape that developed over a longer period.
Urban Spaces and Nature Along the Lielupe
Pasta Island is a nine-hectare urban area in the center of Jelgava. The MÄ«tava Bridge connects the city center with Pasta Island; it spans 152 meters.
The area’s natural character can be seen in the Lielupe floodplain meadows behind Jelgava Palace. They are designated as a Natura 2000 site because of the variety of rare bird and plant species. More than 80 wild horses graze in the floodplain meadows on the island behind the palace; their number may change.
Weaving and Confectionery
Daily weaving demonstrations are held at the House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts in Jelgava. Two aspects of this tradition are also included in Latvia’s list of intangible cultural heritage: weaving patterned Semigallian twill and the weaving craft practiced on Pēteris Viļumsons’ semi-automatic single-beam looms.
At Jelgava’s Candy Workshop, you can sample caramel and other sweets or make your own caramel. The two activities are clearly different: sampling focuses on tasting, while making your own caramel gives you the chance to take part.
Discover more destinations: ZaÄĽenieki, Platone, Valgunde, MeĹľciems, VidusmuiĹľa, Blankenfelde, Vilce.
For the broader travel overview: Jelgavas Novads.
