Kurzemes hercogu kapenes
Exhibition of the Rundāles pils muzejs in the plinth floor of Jelgava Palace, with the Kurzemes hercogu kapenes (crypt of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia): 21 metal sarcophagi and nine wooden coffins in which members of the Ketler and Biron dynasties are buried.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The history of the crypt began in 1583, when Duke Gotthard had a small church built beside the old Jelgava Castle, with a basement room for the sarcophagi. After the old castle was demolished in 1737, the sarcophagi were moved, and in 1820 a vaulted room was renovated for the crypt in the plinth floor of the south-eastern corner of the new Baroque palace.
The crypts were repeatedly damaged and looted. Since 1989 they have been administered by the Rundāles pils muzejs, and they have been open to visitors since 1992. The crypts contain 21 metal sarcophagi and nine wooden coffins, in which 24 members of the Ketler and six members of the Biron dynasty were buried between 1569 and 1791; alongside them, restored costumes and information about those buried are on display.
Highlights
- 21 metal sarcophagi and nine wooden coffins
- Burials of the Ketler and Biron dynasties
- Restored costumes of the 17th and 18th centuries
- Initials of Duke Ernst Johann on the window grilles
Permanent exhibition
- Kurzemes hercogu kapenes – Sarcophagi and wooden coffins containing the mortal remains of members of the dynasties of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia, with restored costumes.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2full-time students |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 7 · Pupils; children up to 7 years of age enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | €2A valid student card must be presented. |
A permit for guides to conduct tours of the crypts costs €1.50.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The crypts are in Jelgava Palace; entrance through the palace's north or south gates.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours in Latvian, Russian and English. The crypts are located in the plinth floor of the south-eastern corner of Jelgava Palace. |