Kokneses viduslaiku pilsdrupas
Ruins of the 13th-century stone castle of the Archbishop of Riga at the confluence of the Daugava and the Pērse, with a historic exhibition in the visitor pavilion, the Moku kambaris, an audio guide and coin minting; open in season.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
One of the largest and most important medieval castles on the territory of Latvia was the Koknese Castle. Construction of the stone castle of the Archbishop of Riga began in 1209, and before long a forecastle and a fortified town grew up beside it. Later the castle became the residence of the Archbishop of Riga, but during the Great Northern War, in 1701, its western towers were blown up; impressive ruins have survived. Since the flooding of the Pļaviņas hydroelectric reservoir, the water has reached the foundations of the castle.
In the castle ruins, theatrical performances, concerts and wedding ceremonies take place, and coins are minted. The visitor pavilion houses a historic exhibition with artefacts obtained from archaeological excavations, a model of the castle and a souvenir shop; the Moku kambaris can be viewed and an audio guide is available.
Highlights
- Medieval castle ruins at the confluence of the Daugava and the Pērse
- Historic exhibition and castle model in the pavilion
- Moku kambaris and audio guide
- Coin minting
- Boat landing with small boats in summer
Permanent exhibition
- Vēsturiskā ekspozīcija apmeklētāju paviljonā – Artefacts obtained from archaeological excavations, a model of the castle and the Moku kambaris.
- Operated by
- Aizkraukles novada pašvaldība
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2pensioners, pupils and students (on presentation of a card) |
| Children & teens | freePre-school children enter free. |
| Seniors | €2 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities (on presentation of a certificate). |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (20+ people) | –10% discount for groups of 20 people or more. |
| Families | €6Family with a 3+ family card. |
| For persons persecuted for political reasons | €1 |
| Annual pass (for residents of Kokneses apvienība) | €5 |
With the QR code of the Aizkraukle municipality mobile app, the adult ticket costs €2.20.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €6 · Family with a 3+ family card. |
|---|
Getting there & parking
The castle ruins are located in Koknese park, at the confluence of the Daugava and the Pērse.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A coffee machine is available on the castle ruins site; from 1 May an outdoor food point, “Ēdam gardi” (We Eat Well), operates at weekends. A souvenir shop is available.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Wedding ceremonies in the old Latvian style can be held in the castle ruins.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | In summer small boats run from the boat landing by the castle ruins; boat, SUP board and catamaran hire is possible. |