Dobele castle (Zemgalu pilskalns un Dobeles pilsdrupas) description and photos - Latvia: Dobele (Topic)

Dobele castle (Zemgalu pilskalns un Dobeles pilsdrupas) description and photos - Latvia: Dobele. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. Title in English - Zemgalu pilskalns un Dobeles pilsdrupas.

Photo and description

Today only ruins remain of the castle of the Livonian Order in Dobele, built around the middle of the 14th century. According to historical chronicles, the construction of the castle began in 1335. The castle was built of stone for the needs of the Livonian Order. However, soon after the beginning of the construction of the fortress, the construction stopped and was continued only in 1345.

It is believed that on the site of the Dobele castle at the beginning of the 13th century there was a wooden Semigallian fortress. After the crusaders took over the lands, which passed to the Livonian Order, the territory on which the wooden castle stood was an excellent place to build a new stronghold. Moreover, the wooden castle had already been burned by the Semigallians themselves, who retreated to Lithuania.

Dobele Castle consisted of four buildings that surrounded the courtyard. There was also a chapel at the castle. On the western side, next to the quadrangular tower, there was an entrance gate.

Throughout its history, the castle has repeatedly been in the center of battles between different forces. One of the most serious battles took place in 1620, in this battle Dobele Castle was captured by the Swedish troops of Gustav Adolf. In the period from 1643 to 1649. in the castle lived the widow of Duke Frederick Elizabeth Magdalena. Dobele Castle did not escape the Great Northern War, during which the fortress again became the site of battles. During this period, the king of Sweden, Karl XII, spent several days in the castle.

More than one legend is associated with the castle. For example, it has not yet been possible to find underground passages. According to legend, one of them passed under the Berze River, and led to its other bank, and the second underground passage went to the Lielberze.

During the entire period of the castle's existence, it was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded. The castle fell into complete desolation in 1730. By that time, it was so dilapidated that it was abandoned. The roof collapsed, and since then the castle has not been rebuilt.

Today, the walls of the castle are preserved in order to prevent their further destruction. This work began in 2001. The walls of the fortress have been partially preserved, as well as the walls of the church, the height of which reaches 20 meters. The ruins of the castle are quite romantic and one of the favorite places for photographing. Various celebrations and events are often held here.

It is believed that treasures are hidden in the castle. Mysterious and unexplained incidents often occur here.

There is another interesting legend. Once the roof of the castle was copper. In sunny weather, the glittering roof could be seen from afar. According to legend, sailors heading to Ventspils mistook the shining of the roof for a lighthouse, and, focusing on it, crashed against the cliffs. This happened more than once, and the sailors cursed the copper roof. And one day, a hurricane rose blew the roof into the sea.

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Topic: Dobele castle (Zemgalu pilskalns un Dobeles pilsdrupas) description and photos - Latvia: Dobele.