Introduction

03.01.2015 23:52

The guide to the ancient history of Bauska will lead you along the banks of the Memele River from the fortress of the Livonian Order in the 15th century and the residence of the duke of Kurzeme from the 16th and 17th century to the church from the late 16th century, and then on to the largest and most ornate city hall in all of Zemgale from the 17th century.

The Bauska Castle

03.01.2015 23:28

It is assumed that work on the Bauska Castle began in 1443. The castle was built at a time when firearms were already in use, and that is seen in the gun apertures in the walls and the towers. The design of the castle itself was still based on old traditions, however. After the collapse of the Livonian Order in 1562, Bauska Castle became the residence of the Dukes of Courland.

The Church of the Holy Spirit

03.01.2015 23:25

The history of the Church of the Holy Spirit of Bauska and its German congregation began when the town was moved from the peninsula by the Bauska Castle to a new place on the banks of the Memel River. The Church was completed in 1594, but the church did not yet have a tower. One was installed in 1614, and in 1623, a master craftsman from Arnstadt, Michael Ulrich, completed the tower with a cupola and a spire.

The Bauska City Hall

02.01.2015 22:28

Construction of City Hall began in 1616. The building was described as an ornate structure financed by the mayor and members of the City Council of Bauska. By the 18th century, City Hall had been rebuilt several times. Reconstruction of the building began in 2010.