Located in the southern part of Latvia, on the Zemgale plain, Bauska lies about 20 km from the Lithuanian border.
Bauska castle was a stronghold of the Livonian Order and later the seat of the dukes of Courland.
The castle ruins stands on the narrow peninsula at the confluence of the rivers Musa and Memele where they form the Lielupe river.
Bauska Castle consists of the ruins of an earlier castle and a later palace on the outskirts.
The medieval castle was built by the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Knights in the 15th century. The castle was enlarged several times between the 16th and 18th centuries. The old section of the castle featured a great watch tower, 4-meter thick walls, a prison under the tower, a garrison, and a drawbridge at the gates.
After the collapse of the Teutonic Order in this area in 1562, Bauska Castle became the residence of the Dukes of Courland.
Only ruins remain from the ancient castle but the palace is fully restored and houses a museum, now. The museum can be visited daily during the summer months. The castle offers a good panoramic view for the surrounding area. An international festival of medieval music is held in the castle Every July.