Svitene Manor

Svitene Manor and park. Svitene Manor was built in the early 19th century, one of the most beautiful classicism manors in Semigallia, the parade rooms of which have partially preserved the splendid interior decorations. Today the manor is home to Music and Art School. Next to the manor on both sides of the little Svitene River is a park. A Neo-gothic chapel for the owners of the manor family von Elmpt is situated on one side of the park

Svitene, Svitenes pag., Bauskas nov., LV-3917
+371 26524190
+371 26516711
www.tourism.bauska.lv

Svitene Manor (Latvian: Svitenes muižas pils; German: Schloß Schwitten) is a manor house in the historical region of Zemgale, in Latvia. The building currently houses the Svitene music and art school.

History
Svitene manor was originally a monastery, built in the 15th century in 1451–1454. Svitene manor was established in 15th century when it was owned by von Grotthuß family. In 1736 estate was bought by Ernst Johann Biron. In 1788 manor became property of fieldmarshall Count Johann Martin von Elmpt. Construction of the current building began around 1800 however Johan Martin von Elmpt died in the 1802 and construction works was finished by his son Philip von Elmpt. Elmpt family were great art lovers. During their time there were many valuable paintings in the castle. In 1893 manor was bought by Anatoly Lieven. During Latvian War of Independence in autumn 1919 manor building was partly burned by retreating troops of West Russian Volunteer Army. After Latvian agrarian reforms of the 1920s Svitene manor was nationalized and lands partitioned for 86 new farms. Since 1921 primary school and library was located in the manor building. Building was reconstructed in 1938 and 1970. In 2013 primary school was moved to another building but part of the manor house is still occupied by local Art and Music school.
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