Jelgava, or Mitava, Palace is the most grandiose baroque palace in the Baltics. Construction of the palace began back in 1738 according to the instructions of the Duke of Courland Biron. The architect of the project was the famous Baroque master F.B.Rastrelli. In order to emphasise the change of the dynasty of the Dukes of Courland, Ernst Johan Biron decided to build a new palace on the site of the former rulers' residence. In 1737, the Livonian Order's palace, built in the 14th century. Livonian Order palace, built in the 14th century, was blown up to clear the way for the construction of a new castle.
Biron's palace was built in several stages, with a break in construction occurring 1740 after the duke's arrest and subsequent exile. The resumption of construction was possible after Biron's pardon in 1762, and in late 1772, Ernst Johan moved into his residence.
In 1795, the Duchy of Courland ceased to exist. Upon annexation Russian Empire it became the province of Courland. The Jelgava Palace Jelgava Palace became the residence of the governor and administrative institutions. In 1798 the King of France and his entourage stayed at the Mitava Palace. The second time Louis the 8th stayed at Biron's palace for three whole years (from 1804 to 1807) incognito.
In the south-eastern corner of the Mitava Palace on the roundabout floor is the tomb of the of the Dukes of Courland, equipped in 1820. It contains 30 sarcophagi, made of metal or wood. The earliest one dates back to 1569, the last one to 1743. The archophagi are of cultural and historical value, being unique works of decorative and applied art of the Baroque and Mannerist era. In the exhibition halls next to the tombs. in the exhibition halls next to the tombs, there is an exposition of historical costumes, as well as information about the persons buried in the tombs.
During World War I and World War II, the palace was burnt down, and in the first and second Mitava Palace was rebuilt, however without respecting the historical interior. No detailed records of the original interior of the palace have been preserved.
Nowadays, the palace is occupied by the Latvian University of Agriculture, which moved here back in Soviet times. In addition, the Jelgava Palace houses an exhibition from the era of the Duchy of Courland.
The Mitava Palace is a classic example of the Baroque style, with its characteristic opulence and luxury. Although, the Danish architect Severin Jensen, who led the construction work after Rastrelli, gave the building a more of a classical style. Originally, Biron's palace consisted of three buildings, but in 1937, another building was built on the site of the former stables. The fourth building thus enclosed the courtyard of the Jelgava Palace.
