Preiļi Palace
Latgale Region
Preiļi Palace, located near the town of Preiļi in eastern Latvia's Latgale region, is a remarkable example of English Neo-Gothic architecture, also known as Tudor style. Originally constructed in the early 19th century by Count Joseph Heinrich von der Borch, the palace was extensively remodeled between 1860 and 1865, with later additions including a castle-like turret and a third story with a wooden campanile built between 1891 and 1910. The interior was tragically destroyed by fire in 1978, yet ongoing restoration efforts since 2017 aim to revive the palace as a cultural hub housing the Preiļi History and Applied Art Museum. The estate also features a romantic landscape park spanning over 41 hectares, with ponds, a chapel, stables, and other architectural monuments that reflect the estate’s noble heritage. The palace’s rich ownership history includes notable figures such as the Borch family, English merchant Johann Heinrich Fredrick, and Russian Tsar’s chamberlain Konstantin Gulkevich. Today, visitors can explore the park’s harmonious design, historic buildings, and museum collections that showcase local and foreign art spanning centuries, making Preiļi Palace a unique cultural and historical destination in Latvia.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the warmer months when the landscape park is most accessible and scenic. Advance ticket purchases or inquiries through the official website are recommended, especially during special exhibitions or events. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing detailed historical context. The nearby park and chapel are also worth exploring during the visit.
Interesting facts
- •The palace’s interior was destroyed by a fire in February 1978, leaving it roofless for many years.
- •The Preiļi landscape park covers 41.2 hectares, including 13.2 hectares of ponds and features architectural monuments like a chapel and stables.
- •Archaeological excavations in 2007-2008 uncovered a rare 18th-century fragment of the Maltese Order commander’s costume belonging to the original owner, Count Joseph Heinrich von der Borch.
- •The palace’s architectural style is English Neo-Gothic, also known as Tudor style, which is relatively rare in Latvia.
- •The estate was owned by the von der Borch family for nearly five centuries, from 1382 to 1864.
History
The Preiļi estate originally housed a Livonian Order castle owned by the von der Borch family from 1382 until 1864.
The medieval castle was destroyed during the Livonian War in the 16th century and never rebuilt.
A new wooden manor house was constructed in the late 18th century but was destroyed by fire early in the 18th century.
The current two-story Neo-Gothic palace was built around 1836, remodeled in the 1860s to its Tudor style, with further additions made by 1910.
The palace changed ownership multiple times, including English and Russian nobility, before being nationalized after Latvia’s agrarian reform in 1920.
It served various educational and institutional purposes through the 20th century until a fire in 1978 caused severe damage.
Restoration efforts began in the 21st century to preserve this historic landmark.
Place Guide
Preiļi Palace Main Building1836-1910
The two-story Neo-Gothic manor house, featuring Tudor style architecture with a round castle-type turret on the northeast side and a wooden campanile added in the late 19th to early 20th century. Originally adorned with oak paneling and ornamental decor, the palace’s facade has been restored since 2017.
Preiļi Landscape ParkEstablished around 1826, expanded in the 1860s
A romantic park covering over 41 hectares, featuring ponds, canals, small islands, and a 'Love Hill'. The park contains a variety of tree species, including lindens, walnuts, ashes, and maples, as well as the Borch family oak and pear tree near the palace.
Preiļi Chapel1817
A chapel consecrated in 1817 and part of the estate, historically used as a burial place for members of the von der Borch family. It stands as a significant architectural and cultural monument within the park.
