Rundale Palace

Rundale Palace dates from the early 18th century, when Latvia was still the Duchy of Courland-Semigallia and just before the Russian Empire stepped in. Work began on this vast and splendid home for the Duke of Courland in 1736. Nowadays it is a VIP residence (but only try to book if you happen to be a visiting head of state, and even then you probably have people to do that kind of thing for you). For the rest of we ordinaries, there are still opportunities to see this Baroque/Rococo masterpiece which is also open as a museum. Get the best of a visit during the summer, when the gardens are in full bloom. Rundale is the perfect day-trip out from Riga if you are staying in the city for some time, or a monument worth striking out for if the architecture of the old town doesn't appeal.