- Address: Rundāles pagasts, LV-3921, Latvia;
- Date of foundation: 1972.
We were lucky that in the XVIII century the world was dominated by the Baroque era. If there were no fashion for chic pompous palace ensembles, we would not be able to admire today the incredible beauty that permeated the former ducal estate in Rundale. The majestic palace is framed by a huge park, which impresses with its splendor and grace.
History of the park
The park area around the palace used to perform not only a decorative function. Here were some farm buildings, there were stables. Both projects: both the palace and the park were realized at one time. Therefore, the complete harmony between the pathos monumental building and its architectonic environment is felt.
The park was conceived as regular. He remained so, by lucky chance, avoiding the trends of the 19th century fashion - to turn regular European parks into landscape ones.
In the 70s of the XX century, together with the restoration plan of the Rundale Palace, a project was developed to restore and surrounding the park. The specialists of the National Botanical Garden of Latvia worked together with the staff of the Leningrad Institute "Giproteatr".
It was decided to cut down all trees and plant in their place similar ones, since all park plantations for long years of arbitrary growth completely lost their former form, the ecosystem was strongly modified.
Felling was carried out for 3 years (1975-1978). Planted the territory began only after 6 years. The reconstruction process was often frozen for various reasons, it entered the active progressive phase only in the 21st century. The park was completely restored in 2014.
What to see in the park Rundale Palace?
The palace and park ensemble covers an area of 72 hectares. The "French garden" is only 1/7 of the total territory. But Rastrelli was able to so delicately design all of its elements, which gives the impression that the garden is simply huge. All because each individual exposition of the park can be admired for hours. There are several beautiful avenues, including cross, picturesque pergolas, flowing fountains, a myriad of various flower beds and even a labyrinth-bosquet.
One of the most effective elements of the French Garden is the ornamental stalls, which are located directly opposite the central entrance to the palace. Ornate patterns from neatly cut bush boxes and emerald lawns are intertwined with ribbon-shaped contours of brick and white marble. On the edges of the stalls are beautiful flowerbeds, where twice a year different flowers are transplanted.
Another masterpiece project of Rastrelli recognized the "Green Theater". It has 600 seats, located on the stepped green rows of the amphitheater. There are even improvised side scenes from a living hornbeam. There are often customized celebrations (presentations, concerts, wedding ceremonies).
There are a lot of trees in the park of the Rundāle Palace. There are data that Weiland is the garden master of the estate, as early as 1739 he reported to Leningrad that 45 005 chestnuts, 328 185 lindens and 1885 oaks were planted. But, whatever one may say, there are more flowers here. The regular garden system assumes a strict order, so you will not find chaotic beds. All flowers are planted by species and varieties. In May and June in the garden you can see the incredible beauty of the flower gardens, planted with tulips and peonies.
But the undoubted pride of the park is a huge rosary, created in 2005. The last time the census of Rundale roses was in 2012. Then counted 12 000 bushes of 2450 varieties, among which 670 varieties - historical.
As in the entire park, the rosary maintains a strict order. There are following expositions:
- national circles (52 flower beds, dedicated to the achievements of 72 breeders from 17 countries);
- nominal rosaries (the Duke of Biron, Zubov and Shuvalov);
- roses of Latvian breeders;
- a collection of wrinkled roses;
- hedges of rose bushes;
- garden of blue roses.
If you want to catch a rosary in all its glory, come to the park of the Rundale Palace from late May to mid-July. At this time, almost all the bushes bloom. Then most of the historical varieties bloom, but modern selection roses continue to please garden visitors with its fragrant beauty until frosts.
Information for tourists
- from November to April the entrance to the French Garden is free;
- in May and October an adult entrance ticket costs € 1.5, a children's ticket costs € 1;
- in the summer and in September you will pay an entrance fee of € 4 (adults) and € 2 (children);
- you can buy a combined ticket, including a tour of the palace and park (in May and October, their cost ranges from € 2 to € 6.5, from June to September from € 3.5 to € 9);
- in the park you can walk on foot or go for a drive along the alleys on the excursion car (travel - € 2).
How to get there?
You can get to the park of the Rundāle Palace from Riga by bus. There is no direct route. It will be necessary to purchase a ticket to Bauska , and then take the bus to Rundale.
By car, you can reach the A7 motorway by turning into Bauska on the regional route P103 to Pilsrundale (distance 79.5 km). Another option is to get to Elea (route A8), and from there get to Rundale (total distance is 94.9 km).