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 The castle was first mentioned in historical documents in 1290, which is also accepted as the year of the founding of the city of Ventspils.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.
The museum features a digital exhibition "Living History" about the history of the castle, city, and port, which is highly appreciated by history specialists and is regularly updated with new information.
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.
Entrance ticket prices
Livonian Order Castle (May 1 – October 31)
Adults 5,00 EUR | 70 venti + 4,30 EUR
For schoolchildren, pensioners, students, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 2,00 EUR | 50 venti + 1,50 EUR
Family ticket 10,00 EUR | 170 venti + 8,30 EUR
Exhibition Hall – Adults 2,00 EUR
Exhibition hall – For schoolchildren, pensioners, students 1,00 EUR
Joint ticket to all museums, valid for 3 days (May 1 – October 31)
Adults 9,60 EUR; Students, schoolchildren, pensioners, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 4,40 EUR; Family ticket 19,20 EUR. Purchase at the Livonian Order Castle box office, Jāņa Street 17, Ventspils.
Livonian Order Castle (November 1 – April 30)
Adults 3,00 EUR | 60 venti + 2,40 EUR
For schoolchildren, pensioners, students, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 2,00 EUR | 50 venti + 1,50 EUR
Family ticket 6,00 EUR | 100 venti + 5,00 EUR
Exhibition Hall – Adults 2,00 EUR
Exhibition hall – For schoolchildren, pensioners, students 1,00 EUR
Joint ticket to all museums, valid for 3 days (November 1 – April 30)
Adults 6,40 EUR; Students, schoolchildren, pensioners, disabled people of group III, upon presentation of a certificate 3,60 EUR; Family ticket 12,80 EUR. Purchase at the Livonian Order Castle box office, Jāņa Street 17, Ventspils.
Free of charge
Groups for every 16 visitors (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; Preschool children; Employees of Latvian museums upon presentation of a certificate; ICOM members
Museum entrance tickets can be purchased using the Mobilly application.
Also offers educational programs: https://muzejs.ventspils.lv/livonijas-ordena-pils/pedagogiskas-programmas/