Jelgava

Jelgava is a city in Latvia, located in the Zemgale region, about 41 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Riga. It served as the capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia from 1578 to 1795, and subsequently as the capital of the Governorate of Courland under the Russian Empire. Jelgava is situated on the Lielupe River, and is an important railway junction and industrial center. Its historical landmarks include Jelgava Palace, which was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli and once served as the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Jelgava plays a significant role in Latvian history and culture, and it is a major educational hub with institutions such as the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. The city experienced considerable damage during World War II, resulting in a mix of restored historical buildings and modern architecture.