Page 175 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

WESTERN LA T VIA  173

Ernst Johann Biron VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
The son of a minor landlord, Ernst Practical Information
Johann Biron was asked to leave the Road Map D4. Tel 6396 2274.
academy in Königsberg (present- Open May–Oct: 10am–6pm daily;
day Kaliningrad) for bad behaviour. Nov–Apr: 10am–5pm daily. &
Failing to establish himself in the 8 0 ∑ rundale.net Park:
Russian court, he returned to Open Jun–Sep: 10am–7pm daily
Jelgava and became close to the (to 9pm Fri–Sun); May & Oct: 10am
widowed Duchess of Courland, –6pm; Nov–Apr: 10am–5pm daily.
Anna Ivanovna. In 1730, Anna
became empress of Russia, Transport
@ from Bauska.
and three years later Biron was
appointed Duke of Courland. Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann Biron
After his patron died in 1740, the (1690–1772)
unpopular Biron was sent into exile,
returning only in 1763. A year later, Catherine II made him duke
once more, but he abdicated in 1769 in favour of his son Peter.

Duchess’s Boudoir
The duchess could rest and receive visitors
during the day in the splen didly decorated
boudoir, which has now been restored.
The duchess and other family members
lived in the western wing.

KEY
1 The Grand Gallery was where
guests would dine before dancing in
the White Hall. Wall paintings were
uncovered during restoration.
2 Rose Room
3 Duke’s Reception Room
4 The Marble Hall was used as a
school gym in the 20th century.
5 An exhibition on the palace’s
construction is on display in the
building’s basement.
6 A display of period clothes fills
three rooms with fashions from the
17th and 18th centuries.
. White Hall 7 The courtyard has gateposts
This ballroom boasts topped by the duke’s emblem – a
lavish stucco work by heraldic lion.
German sculptor 8The Oval Porcelain Cabinet,
Johann Michael Graff. made by Johann Michael Graff,
The restrained colour was designed to display the house-
scheme gives the hold’s collection of fine china.
room its name.

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