Grobiņa Medieval Castle with Bastions

The stone castle of Grobiņa was built in 1348 by Order Master Goswin von Herike. Grobiņa Castle served as the residence of the vogt, an administrative center for the district, an important support point for the Order, and a lodging place for travelers sent by the Order on journeys from Livonia to Prussia.

The castle is believed to have been rebuilt in the mid-17th century when Grobiņa was gifted to Duchess Louise Charlotte, wife of Duke Jacob Kettler. At that time, bastions were constructed—four earthworks extending from each corner of the outer walls of the castle.

By the 18th century, the buildings were no longer maintained, yet some rooms continued to house administrative offices of the Grobiņa district until the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was dissolved. By the late 18th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin.

Today, the medieval walls, 17th-century bastions, defensive ditches, and the steep slopes of the castle remain preserved. The ruins were conserved in the 1970s under a project by architect Ilgonis Stukmanis.

In 2019, the ruins underwent landscaping and reconstruction as part of the Alande River Recreation Park project—a stage and viewing platform were built over the ruins, and large wooden stairs on the western side were added, suitable for choir concerts and for enjoying views over the mill pond. The site is a popular location for photoshoots and wedding stops.

Various cultural events are organized on the installed open-air stage. A magnificent large-leaf linden tree grows in the courtyard, with a circumference of 4.92 meters.

The Grobiņa Castle ruins are a State-protected archaeological monument.