Middle Ages

Hall 2

The exhibition “Liepaja in the Middle Ages” reflects six-century-long history recounting the period from the 13^th till the 18^th century, beginning with the establishment of the Liva village by the Livs and ending with the significant port and trade city of Liepaja of the Dukedom of Kurzeme, which became part of the Russian Empire in 1795 together with all the Kurzeme region.

An especially unique document is exhibited at Liepaja city rights signed by the Duke Friedrich on the 18^th March, 1625. Also the Town Hall’s interior with various work accessories and a ballot-box are the witnesses of the 17-18 centuries. During the North War both Russian tsar Peter I and Swedish king Carl XII stayed in Liepaja, and the latter left, according to legends, his cavalry boots here. They can also be seen at the layout.

Liepaja was the city of merchants and artisans and hack-working traditions were reflected both in skillfully made handicraft chests and made by jewelers guild goblets, bowls and pendants, as well as in construction details of the city edifices.

Coins that were minted and used in Livonia and in the Dukedom of Kurzeme can also be seen at this layout, as well as through art works there is an opportunity to “meet face to face” Dukes of Kurzeme: Gothard Ketler, his offspring – the representatives of the House of the Ketlers and also Biron dynasty’s representatives.