The Livonian Order Castle is one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Latvia that has survived to this day. The castle was first mentioned in historical documents in 1290, which is also accepted as the year of the founding of the city of Ventspils. Extensive archaeological research and restoration of the castle began in 1995. During the restoration, both the 14th century niches and the 15th century wall paintings, as well as the 17th century doorways and the 19th century prison door were preserved. From the outside, the castle has now acquired a 19th century appearance.
In the summer of 2012, restoration and renovation works were completed in the Livonian Order Castle, and the most important rooms of the castle were opened to visitors – including the chapel, the chapter hall, the order brothers' sleeping quarters and the dining room with the exhibition "Ventspils city and region in the course of history under various powers". The oldest church room in Kurzeme can also be viewed here, and ancient consecration crosses, which are most likely from the 14th-15th centuries, are a rarity in Latvia.
The Livonian Order Castle differs from other medieval fortresses in its interior, where the modern design of the museum's exhibit stands harmonizes with the historical environment. It houses the Ventspils Museum, which is recognized as one of the most modern in the Baltics.
Various events take place at the Livonian Order Castle throughout the year – concerts, thematic historical and art exhibitions are held regularly.
For the younger generation, museum employees offer educational classes and creative workshops that promote interest in the history and present of Ventspils in an attractive way.
From September 2026, a new exhibition will be available on the 3rd-5th floors of the castle tower, implemented as part of the project “Sea, Port, City: Ventspils 13th–19th centuries.” The exhibition will allow this multi-layered historical story to be revealed more widely, linking the evidence of the museum's collection, archaeological and historical sources with modern information presentation solutions.
Entrance ticket prices
Adults: 8,00 EUR | 80 venti + 7,20 EUR
For schoolchildren, pensioners, students, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate: 4,00 EUR | 40 venti + 3,60 EUR
Family ticket (2 adults and 1-3 school-age children): 16,00 EUR | 160 venti + 14,40 EUR
10% discount from the individual ticket price upon presentation of the Honorary Family Card.
Ventspils Museum ticket (valid for 3 days at all museums) in season (01.05.-31.10.)
Adults 14 EUR;
For students, pupils, pensioners, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 7 EUR;
Family ticket (2 adults and 1-3 school-age children) 29 EUR.
Ventspils Museum ticket (valid for 3 days for all museums) in the off-season (01.11.-30.04.)
Adults 11 EUR;
For students, pupils, pensioners, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 6 EUR;
Family ticket (2 adults and 1-3 school-age children) 22 EUR.
Free of charge:
For each Group 16 visitor (15+1; 30+2; 45+3); Visit to the H.Dorbe Museum; For a disabled person of group I and their accompanying person; For a disabled person of group II; For pre-school children; For employees of Latvian museums upon presentation of a certificate; For ICOM members.
Museum entrance tickets can be purchased using the Mobilly application.
Also offers educational programs: https://www.muzejs.ventspils.lv/lv/izglitojosas-programmas