The castle was built in 1342 on the largest of the islands in the Lake Alūksne and called Marienburg (after Mary, the mother of Jesus).

[1] The strength of the castle was repeatedly proven by repelling a number of attacks in the 16th century.

It was finally destroyed in 1702 in the Great Northern War by its Swedish garrison to avoid falling in the hands of Russians.

Today, it houses an open-air scene and forms a part of a recreational area of the Pils (Castle) Island.

The plan is in many ways similar to that of Viljandi Castle, including the convent building with a flanking tower.