Latvian Association of Castles, Palaces and Manors was founded in 2000. Its goal is to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Latvia, to identify the unique cultural and historical values ​​and environment of castles and manors, to promote their restoration and development. To improve cultural tourism and related infrastructure and services, to shape public opinion and to popularize the preservation of cultural heritage.

After centuries of constant upheavals, the end of the 19th century marked the territory of Latvia as precisely divided and beautifully landscaped, but then the devastating revolution of 1905 destroyed 117 manor houses and castles, which was already the first blow at the beginning of the century, when outstanding art values ​​were lost from the collections of noble families. Although some of the destroyed manor houses were restored or rebuilt within a few years, their life was not long, as they were soon destroyed by the First World War, which caused the greatest damage to the cultural heritage in Latvia in Europe. Then followed the agrarian reform, which subordinated the manors to other functions, until the Soviet occupation destroyed them completely. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it is estimated that there were a total of 324 manor houses in Kurzeme and Zemgale (Courland), 934 in Vidzeme (Livland) and 232 in Latgale.

Today, only an architectural shell remains, which we protect as a model and fill with new content.

Today, more than 300 manors and castles are publicly accessible in Latvia, which are being adapted for a new function – a museum, a hotel, a restaurant or a private home.

Every year, the Latvian Association of Castles, Palaces and Manors organizes a Castles and Manors Tour, which allows travelers to take a look at these historical buildings. An annual event on the last weekend of October is the Night of Legends. This is an event that allows you to see the manors in a different light and discover their secrets. The Days of Historical Parks and Gardens, as well as the Week of Restaurants in Castles and Manors, are also organized.