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"
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.
"Land and Title. Land and Title."
Jakob von Rosen
"Uncovering a personal connection to such legends seems surreal."
Jakob von Rosen
Woldemar von Rosen decends from this union, is the progenitor of Jakob von Rosen's family, and built Lielstraupe Castle.
Depiction of the battle in the late 16th century illuminated manuscript: "Life of Alexander Nevsky"
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
Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession.
This photo was taken the moment Jakob arrived to the castle for the first time.
"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
"There was a slight cultural misunderstanding when 3 days went by but this has since been resolved."
Jakob von Rosen
"I look forward contributing to the digital preservation of history for posterity.
Jakob von Rosen
Lielstraupe Castle is a medieval gem in Latvia, It is A unique 13th-century fortress with a Gothic church.
• 8 centuries of history
• evolution of architecture
• picturesque Gauja River Valley
• 15th century church
• hanseatic city
• a symbol of baltic german
This mystical land covered in forrest is today a national park. its alure dates back centuries.
• nature is king
• farmer market
• shared symbol of heritage
• preserved pagan heritage
• distinct 4 seasons
the von rosen family was one of four ecclesiastic families whose contribution to latvian society is seen to this day.
• Lielstruape Castle
• Mazstraupe castle
• raiskums manor
• turaida (bailiffs)
• koknese (bailiffs)
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"The truth deserves to be told, we can bring history to life, digitally" Jakob insists
Acknowledging hidden histories helps to heal cultural wounds.
Authentic stories strengthen community identity.
Complete records ensure proper conservation. With new digital technologies imagine what we will uncover.
Authentic Medieval Castle
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.
"Yes, it feels nice"
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.
Innovation Nexus - Latvia
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.
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