Lielstraupe Castle Park surrounds an outstanding cultural and historical site – the medieval castle and church complex of Lielstraupe, which stands right next to the A3 motorway.

Even from a distance, every driver notices the castle tower with its gentle baroque forms. As you get closer, you can see the captivating reflection of the castle in the calm waters of the pond, while further along the road stretches a mysterious wall of fieldstones, tempting you to search for something unusual.

The history of the castle and church stretches back eight centuries and tells of the distant

times of the archbishopric in Livonia, of the von Rosen family, who always cherished this place and rebuilt it after each destruction. About the local community, for whom the castle has always meant a warm sense of belonging and identity. About the Straupe Evangelical Lutheran congregation, which has always maintained both the stately church building and the adjacent garden of souls.

The park around the castle is not large, but the linden alley and separate rows of park trees have been preserved, inviting visitors to take a leisurely stroll and let their imagination run wild. Here, where in the second half of the 18th century the park's designers created a regular park, there was once a small Hanseatic town of Roop with merchant offices and peasant farms. Even now, there is an unusual building in the park – a separate wooden bell tower.

Although the castle park and courtyard are still awaiting restoration, the cosiness of the courtyard goes well with the Lielstraupe Castle Festival, which takes place here every year at the end of August. Medieval baroque music, ancient crafts, a feast of forgotten flavors and – yes! – the castle's special marzipan tart. All this gives this place an Italian charm.