Baltics - 14 June 2012 (2)

Rundāle Palace

Approach to Rundāle Palace

Gates at Rundāle Palace

Then there was a short drive to Rundāle Palace, originally the summer residence of the Duke of Courland.

Main Entrance of Rundāle Palace

The Zubov's Room, Rundāle Palace

As we walked towards the impressive building, we could see a stork’s nest on the roof.  The stork was at home and had at least two chicks, who were quite big.

Antechamber to Gold Hall

Gold Hall - Ceiling Detail

When we reached the inner courtyard, I noticed that there were two swallow nests above most windows.  Birds were flying in regularly to feed their chicks.

Gold Hall - Chandelier

White Hall, Rundāle Palace

We entered the palace and Aija took us on a tour of the rooms which are open to the public.

White Hall - Ceiling Detail

Oval Porcelain Cabinet

There was brightly coloured wallpaper in many of the rooms and walls, ceilings and lots of stucco embellishments, mostly of flowers and cherubs, which were often painted to highlight the detail.

Rose Room, Rundāle Palace

Duke's Bedroom, Rundāle Palace

We were behind a party of schoolchildren and in front of a large group of Japanese, so we had to queue to get into some of the rooms and were unable to linger too long.

Duke's Reception Room, Rundāle Palace

Duke's Dining Room, Rundāle Palace

Even so, there wasn’t enough time to visit the gardens and had to satisfy ourselves with brief glances through windows.

Duke's Dressing Room, Rundāle Palace

Duchess's Boudoir, Rundāle Palace

After the tour, we had coffee and biscuits in the café downstairs.  That was a bit disappointing.  Then we had to be back on the bus at 12.00.  It was such a lovely hot day that I had to remove my leggings.

Duchess's Toilet Room, Rundāle Palace

Gardens of Rundāle Palace

Wildlife Corner

Stork and Chick, Rundāle Palace

Swallows Nests, Rundāle Palace