LATVIA

LATVIA

What if your family story held the key to a castle?

Jakob von Rosen has painstakingly researched his controversial claim to Latvia's most treasured medieval castle for over a decade. His journey uncovers ancient rights, history erased, and a legacy waiting to be reclaimed.

Lielstraupe Castle in Latvian
Schloss Groß-Roop in German
Its literal English translation is "Big-Roop Castle"

1199AD
In the year of the lord 1199 the Bishop of Bremen, Albert von Buxhoeveden was commissioned by the Pope in Rome to win Livonia, a land to the far Northeast for the church of Christ.
An ancient map of Livonia, modern day baltic states from the 17th century. Lielstraupe Castle is Roop.
1201AD
In 1201 Albert established the port town of Riga, a key center of the Hanseatic League from the 13th to the 15th century.
Statue of Albert von Buxhoeveden the Archbishop and founder of the city of Riga. Statue is in Riga Dome church in Old Town.

In 1225 King Henry of Germany made Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. As Prince-Bishop he declared independence from Bremen and Riga was raised to an Archbishopric.

1236AD
Following a defeat at the Battle of Saule in 1236 the Livonian Brothers of the Sword merged with the Teutonic Order. This autonomous branch is known as the Livonian Order.
Teutonic Knight on the left and Livonian Brother of the Sword Knight on the right.
jakob von rosen profile

"Land and Title. Land and Title."

Jakob von Rosen

1242AD
The infamous Battle on the Ice on a frozen Lake Peipus is historically significant for the balance of power between Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Livonian Order surrendered to Prince Alexander Nevsky.
Film poster for famous Soviet film Alexander Nevsky.
jakob von rosen profile

"Uncovering a personal connection to such legends seems surreal."

Jakob von Rosen

1288AD
To seal the terms of the peace treaty, Prince Vladimir of Pskov married his daughter Princess Sophia to Theodoricus, Archbishop Albert’s blood brother and is Jakob's direct ancestor.

Woldemar von Rosen decends from this union, is the progenitor of Jakob von Rosen's family, and built Lielstraupe Castle.

Ancient chronicle of the Battle on the Ice of 1242.

Depiction of the battle in the late 16th century illuminated manuscript: "Life of Alexander Nevsky"

1355AD
1355 document with the oldest city seal from Roop, Hansa Archive in Lübeck, Germany.
The seal of the Hanseatic City of Roop in 1355. The seal comes from the von Rosen family coat of arms.

Based on the Rosen coat of arms: 2 artificial roses and 1 six-pointed star, inscription: S. Civitatis de Ropa A. Dom. 15) 3 years later, on March 14, 1356 (sometimes also January 2), Woldemar 4, as the archbishop's judge, sealed a sale of goods, given "in the stat to Rope" - i.e. not in one or his "Roop Castle", e.g. as the administrative center of Rosula.

coat of arms

HERALDRY

Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession.

1590AD
The tomb of Jakob's 13th great grandfather is in the crypt under the church at Lielstraupe Castle. The church was built in the 14th century.
jakob von rosen and his 13th great grandfather at lielstraupe church at the family castle in latvia.
January 2022
The first trip to latvia
History finally becomes a real.
jakob von rosen's first visit to the family castle in january 2022

This photo was taken the moment Jakob arrived to the castle for the first time.

jakob von rosen profile

"It was quite peculiar, the first time I visited Lielstraupe Castle, I was overcome by the spirit of my ancestors. It was as if they walked the familiar corridors beside me."

Jakob von Rosen

June 2023
Jakob and some friends made a fashion show in the 15th century church. The local municipality did not know how to handle this at first.
in the church at lielstraupe caslte
jakob von rosen profile

"There was a slight cultural misunderstanding when 3 days went by but this has since been resolved."  

Jakob von Rosen

Today
Midsummer in Latvia is an ancient tradition. It was at this point he knew what to do next.
jakob von rosen at Jani celebration 2023
jakob von rosen profile

"I look forward contributing to the digital preservation of history for posterity.

Jakob von Rosen

"The truth deserves to be told, we can bring history to life, digitally" Jakob insists

His quest isn't just about property rights—it's about restoring the full tapestry of history beyond Lielstraupe's past by honoring the generations who were silenced by circumstance and fear.
1. Truth and Reconciliation

Acknowledging hidden histories helps to heal cultural wounds.

2. Cultural Heritage

Authentic stories strengthen community identity.

3. Historical Preservation

Complete records ensure proper conservation. With new digital technologies imagine what we will uncover.

Authentic Medieval Castle

Tokenization
Web3
Genealogy
Creators

Lielstraupe has stood for nearly 800 years, the majority of those years owned by Jakob von Rosen's family line. It is the only castle in the Baltics with a church attached. The region is seemingly frozen in time, a unique preservation opportunity to digitally recreate an ancient marketplace in the modern day.

View website

"Yes, it feels nice"

Authenticity
Family
Community
Posterity

Some friends, along with Jakob to design and patent a BIPV solar roof half the cost of the competition. It was built for the first time in public at the family's castle as an example of sustainable solutions for historic buildings.

https://www.solarislate.com/

Innovation Nexus - Latvia

Tokenization
Web3
Genealogy
Creators

The signing of the MoU is designed to occur in multiple waves, ensuring comprehensive representation and collaboration across key sectors. The first wave has brought together industry associations and community-enabling partners to form the foundation of Innovation Nexus.

Labs of Latvia

FAQ's

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions
Why should I care?
Why is digital preservation important?
What will I get out of it?
Are there any legends at the castle?
Are there any love stories about the castle?
Lielstraupe Castle at night after new years
lielstraupe castle at night after new years 2025 lit up

Do you love history?

If you have a story, we want to hear it. Culture and heritage holds deep significance for society.
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