Lielstraupe: Discover the Castle, Church and Park

• Lielstraupe Castle was built in the Romanesque style together with the church at the end of the 13th century.
• The tombstone of Georg von Rosen, dating from 1590, is considered an outstanding work of Renaissance sculpture in Latvia.
• Guided castle tours must be booked in advance and last 1.5 hours.
• The castle is surrounded by a park and a pond, where native and exotic tree species grow.
• The castle festival takes place every year at the end of August.

The castle and church were built together in the Romanesque style at the end of the 13th century. In Latvia, the ensemble of Lielstraupe Castle and Straupe Evangelical Lutheran Church is considered a unique site of architectural and artistic value spanning the 14th to the 20th century. Their shared construction history and the ensemble’s later significance offer different historical perspectives.

A freestanding bell tower is another part of the ensemble: it was built in 1848 and stands 100 metres from the church. The tombstone of Georg von Rosen, dating from 1590, reveals another facet of the site’s history. It is considered one of the outstanding works of Renaissance sculpture in Latvia. Alongside the Romanesque building phase, a specific Renaissance work and a dated bell tower provide distinct points of reference.

A park and a pond surround the castle. Native and exotic tree species grow in the park, including snow jasmine and balsam fir. These specific plant names give the park landscape its own character; they feature alongside the water in the description of the castle grounds.

The park also contains a medieval cemetery, where burials took place until 1775. This is a different historical layer from the building history of the castle and church: the site was also associated with burials for centuries. The barons’ gravestones can be seen in the churchyard today. This refers to the churchyard; the gravestones should not be confused with the cemetery in the park.

Guided tours of Lielstraupe Castle must be booked in advance. They are offered in Latvian and other languages and last 1.5 hours. The duration helps with planning your time; booking in advance is also required. Check the current arrangements for the tour before travelling.

Visitor information lists Sunday as a day for church visits; on other days, advance registration is required. Arrange your visit in advance. When planning, distinguish between the booked castle tour and the stated conditions for visiting the church.

The castle festival takes place every year at the end of August. The programme includes medieval and Baroque music, traditional crafts, a feast featuring forgotten flavours, and the castle’s special marzipan cake. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date of the next edition in advance.

The historic town of Straupe existed for 300 years. Historians estimate its area at about 2 hectares: it coincided with the castle grounds, was enclosed by walls and surrounded by a pond. These details focus on the extent of the historic town and are distinct from the castle’s construction history.

A hiking trail about 3 kilometres long runs through Straupe and crosses the Brasla River. A duration is given for the castle tour, while the hiking trail is described by its approximate length. These are different planning measures, so the trail length should not be taken as an indication of walking time.

Discover more destinations: Auciems, Stalbe, Plācis, Straupe.

How long does a guided castle tour last?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours. You must book it in advance; it is offered in Latvian and other languages.

When does the castle festival take place?

It takes place every year at the end of August. Check the date of the next edition before travelling.

What is known about the hiking trail through Straupe?

The trail is about 3 kilometres long and crosses the Brasla River.

When can the church be visited?

Visitor information lists Sundays, as well as other days by prior arrangement. Arrange your visit in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Pārgaujas Novads.