Latvia palace-l

Latvian Post has released a special stamp to underline the beauty of its architecture. This particular item depicts gorgeous Rundāle Palace – one of the most prominent Latvian architectural masterpieces. The issue was put into circulation on the 24th of July.

The denomination of the new stamp is €1.57 and its print run is 200.000. The release of the stamp is accompanied by the issue of a special cover with a print run of 1,500 copies. The stamp and the cover have been designed by the artist Ģirts Grīva.

In the words of Latvijas Pasts Chairman of the Board Arnis Salnājs: “Latvijas Pasts believes that its mission is care for the Latvian cultural treasures and glorification as well as conservation of the historical monuments. This stamp dedicated to Rundāle Palace will travel the globe on postcards or envelopes and it will be our message to the world and a reminder of the outstanding cultural monument found in Latvia”.

According to Rundāle Palace Director Imants Lancmanis: “The cancellation which will now appear on the stamp dedicated to Rundāle Palace will be at the same time a virtual and symbolic seal on the document certifying the completion of the palace restoration and beautiful evidence of the fact that Latvia can now present to the world one of its largest cultural values that has undergone a brilliant renaissance. A stamp is the most ambitious way to inform the planet about the valuable and important things each country has to offer”.

Rundāle Palace is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments in Latvia and a significant Baroque architecture ensemble with a palace, stables and a park. The palace was built from 1736 until 1740 after the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the famous Russian imperial court architect. The palace ensemble rises above the Zemgale lowland with its unspoiled countryside, preserving the original idea of the architect: the palace in the center, symbolizing the power of the ruler, and alleys stretching out into infinity.

Restoration of the palace ensemble was started in 1972 and completed in 2014. In 2015, the Rundāle Palace restoration project won the Latvian Architecture Award. The interior decor reflects the appearance of the palace in the second half of the 18th century. Visitors are welcome to tour the regular French park designed by Rastrelli, featuring the largest historic rose garden in North Eastern Europe, the Green theater, ornamental parterres and a fountain.