Active

Passed the test: 33

Laiuse is a castle of Livonian knights, which took part in many battles in different wars, in which it was destroyed.

We recently talked about (Part I) and her (Part II). In addition, there are three dozen castles on the territory of a small country. Sometimes these are ruins, in which one can barely discern their former grandeur, sometimes completely preserved buildings with museums.

Laiuse

Quite an unusual castle, it is not located on a hill or on an island. More precisely, a slight elevation is noticeable, and perhaps earlier the hill was much higher. But today the ruins of the fortress stand almost on the plain. This castle of the Livonian knights took part in many battles in different wars, in which it was destroyed. It is famous for the fact that at the dawn of the 18th century, Charles XII, the Swedish king nicknamed “Iron Head”, who devoted his entire life to wars for domination in Northern Europe, quartered here with his army.

Koluwere

An artificial island on the river was once specially created for Lode Castle in the village of Koluvere. This fortress is famous for the historical battle of the Russian army. In 1573, a battle with the Swedes took place here. After the defeat, Ivan the Terrible proposed a truce to the Swedish king.

The castle building is perfectly preserved and restored, but history buffs can only be pleased with the exterior. Inside there is a restaurant and a bath complex.

Lihula

In the town of Lihula, on a hill, lie the ruins of one of the oldest and largest castles in Estonia. It arose in the 13th century and belonged to the Ezel-Vik bishopric. Today on the hill you can only see the remains of an ancient settlement along a semicircular ditch. There is also a 19th-century manor house with a manor house and a windmill. In the town of Lihula there are two more interesting architectural objects: Lutheran Church St. Elizabeth in the middle of the century before last and the Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky at the very end of the 19th century. Unfortunately, the Alexander Nevsky Church was left without a parish and gradually fell into disrepair. A sad, somewhat ominous and bewitching sight - trees grow inside a building that has lost its roof.

It is curious that despite the fact that Lihula has the status of a city, roe deer can often be seen galloping on the slopes of the hill. And judging by the tracks in the snow, early in the morning deer are not shy about looking into the streets of the town.

In addition to medieval castles, other architectural monuments of later periods are ubiquitous in the territory of modern Estonia - manors (mõis). Manor houses and estates are called manors in Estonia and Latvia. The same name was previously often used in some northwestern regions of Russia, bordering the territory of modern Estonia. These lands bore a beautiful name - Ingria.

If you see a sign on the road with the word mõis, do not hesitate to turn and look at a nice estate, often with outbuildings, a park and a pond. Some well-preserved estates have museums dedicated to the history of the house and its owners, or a local history exhibition is presented.

Kiltsi, Porkuni, Vao

To the south of Rakvere and very close to each other - within a radius of five kilometers - there are three interesting places. Kiltsi Grange- a magnificent park and estate ensemble with an elegant gallery. Initially, there was a real knight's castle on this site, built in the 15th century. Later in the 18th century a manor was built on the same site. It acquired its current appearance several decades later - galleries were added to it. The estate is famous for the fact that in the first half of the 19th century it belonged to the Benckendorff family, and then came into the possession of the famous Russian navigator Ivan Krusenstern.

Another nearby object reminiscent of the medieval era is Vao Castle. The donjon tower has survived to this day. knight's castle. The building was restored in the 80s of the last century. There is a museum inside. The medieval atmosphere with living quarters and an authentic toilet - dansker - has been restored there. There are several interesting outbuildings nearby. There is still a functioning stable there today, around which you can find a rusty horseshoe for good luck, and then wonder what century this blacksmith’s product belongs to.

Porkuni- a whole complex of architectural monuments from different eras, located on picturesque island in the center of the lake of the same name. The castle tower dates back to 1470. Nearby is the Porkuni manor of the 19th century. These places also preserve the memory of the Second World War. Here, near Lake Porkuni, in September 1944, the battle between the Red Army and Waffen-SS troops took place. In memory of those killed, a memorial was opened in 2007, where soldiers who fought both for the Red Army and on the enemy’s side are buried.

Sagadi

Sagadi Manor is located five kilometers from the coast Gulf of Finland. This is a beautifully preserved 18th century manor on the coast small lake Vihula. The bright red and white building in the classicist style is surrounded by numerous outbuildings and outbuildings. Nowadays a museum is opened in the manor. For estate owners, the main capital has always been the forest. Nowadays the manor is owned by the Estonian Forestry Department, and the building houses a forest museum and a nature school.

This manor became one of the filming locations for the Soviet version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. The window of the manor house flashed in the frames, Doctor Mortimer, played by Evgeny Steblov, looked out of it. The Devonshire post office, to which Watson sent telegrams to Barrymore, is also located here in the Sagadi estate. Another character in Kholmsky’s epic was the driveway.

Kukruse

Kukruse Manor is also called Polar. The fact is that Baron Eduard Vasilyevich Toll, a Russian geologist and Arctic explorer, lived in this 17th-century estate. The scientist firmly believed in the existence of the ghostly Land of Sannikov, the same one that academician Vladimir Obruchev described in his novel. Toll devoted his life to searching for land and went missing during an expedition to Bennett Island in 1902.

Now the estate houses the Eduard Toll Museum.

***
This is only a small part of the architectural monuments scattered throughout the territory of this amazing country, which you want to return to again and again.

Yesterday, May 24, the campaign “Let's visit the Baltic estates - let's celebrate together” started in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 131 castles and estates will take part in the project dedicated to the centenary of the Baltic countries. Guests are welcome from May 24 to September 16. It’s easy to get lost in such a huge selection of historical monuments, so we have selected 12 of the most beautiful and interesting estates and castles that are certainly worthy of your attention.

ESTONIA

SANGASTE CASTLE

Sangaste Castle belongs to the list of 21 unique sites in Southern Estonia, designated by National Geographic yellow windows and recommended for all culture and history lovers to visit.

Sangaste Castle and the manor park were created in the likeness of the famous Windsor Palace in England. The luxurious halls, architecture and history of the castle will be the perfect backdrop for special weddings or meetings with the opportunity to spend the night in real castle chambers. The castle restaurant serves dishes local cuisine and real rye vodka made from local Sangaste rye. In addition to the castle itself, you can also see the stables, oil mills, barn, water tower and a park-arboretum.

LASILA MANOR

First of all, Lasila Manor is known as the residence of the barons von Baer (at the beginning of the 19th century). The world-famous biologist Karl Ernst von Baer spent part of his childhood here. Later the manor belonged to the barons von Ungern-Sternberg and von Renteln. Nowadays, the Lasila Basic School is located in the manor building. You can see the exterior of the manor any day, and in the summer you can get acquainted with the building during the game “Forgotten Manors”.

In the manor park you will find a memorial stone to Karl Ernst von Baer, ​​and in the Baer Tower you can learn about the life and professional work of the famous biologist.

KUMNA MAISE

The new main building of the Kumna Knights' Manor, which is considered one of the most beautiful manors in Estonia, is located just 20 minutes by car from Tallinn. Kumna Manor was home to one of the first tennis clubs in Estonia, and during World War II there was an Abwehr intelligence school here.

Nowadays, Kumna Manor hosts tourist groups and introduces them to the history and current life of the manor. At the manor you can see historical maps of Estonia and a collection of graphics, as well as admire the works of Baltic-German artists. The premises of the manor are rented out for organizing both work events (seminars, master classes) and holiday events (weddings, birthdays, receptions).






Back

Forward

SCHLOSS FALL CASTLE AND MUSEUM

The author of the complex in the neo-Gothic style, built in 1833, is Hans von Stackenschneider, who became one of the most important representatives of the historicist style in Russia. The castle is located in a wonderful location - in a deep valley there flows a river with many rapids, a 6-meter waterfall, and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Museum and showroom expect visitors every day. Note: Author of the anthem Tsarist Russia“God save the king!” Alexey Lvov first performed it in front of Emperor Nicholas I in Keila-Joa.

LATVIA

JAUNMOKA CASTLE

Jaunmoki Castle is located 75 km from Riga, in a quiet area surrounded by hills. picturesque place Kurzeme. The castle was built in 1901 according to the design of the architect V. Boxfal as a hunting castle for the governor of Riga, George Armitstead. Visitors are drawn here by the castle's greatest treasure - the tiled stove, the most valuable and luxurious of which were made in honor of the 700th anniversary of Riga. Today, the castle kindly invites everyone who wants to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle by walking through the castle park, getting acquainted with the forest museum, and also creating their own Latvian writing sign in the Sign Center.

NEW ALUKSNE PALACE

The new Alūksne Palace was built in 1859-1863 in the English Neo-Gothic style, commissioned by Baron Alexander von Vietinghof. Behind the castle there was a glacier and a round cellar. On the left corner of the palace under the tower you can see the coat of arms of the Fitingof family.

The last owner of the palace was Baron Arnold von Vietinghof. In 1918, he went to Germany and took with him some of the palace furnishings and works of art.
During the first independence of Latvia, the 7th Sigulda Infantry Regiment was located in the New Aluksne Palace. On this moment it houses the Aluksne Museum and the Natural Labyrinth Museum (“Vides labirints”), as well as the Aluksne Children and Youth Center and the Aluksne Tourist information Center.

BIRINI ESTATE

The complex and park of the Birini estate was created in 18-19. centuries, and the castle building itself was built in 1860 and is an example of a successful mixture of styles - the architecture is dominated by the neo-Gothic style and the semicircular style, and the interior - neo-renaissance Today it is a prestigious place for banquets and seminars. Separate from the banquet facilities, Birini Castle houses a hotel and restaurant, inviting travelers to take a break from the rush of the city and enjoy the romantic surroundings.

CESISS CASTLE

The Cesis castle complex with its historical and romantic appearance captivates and enchants both residents of Cesis and guests of the city. More than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history are concentrated here - each with its own era, historical aura and its own narrative for today and the future.

The castle complex is located in the very center of the city, where several unique witnesses to the history of different eras are located in a small area. One of the most mysterious and mysterious monuments of the era ancient history- a fortified settlement of the Vendian tribe of ancient Latvians in Riekstukalns, where the history of the city began more than a thousand years ago.

Nearby is a castle built by the Order of the Swordsmen. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most important strongholds of the German Order in the Baltics, and now it is the most impressive and best preserved medieval castle ruin in Latvia.

CESVAINE CASTLE

One of the most beautiful castles in Latvia (eclecticism style), which the owner of the castle, Adolf von Wulf, gave to his wife. According to the design of the architect H. Griesenbach, it was erected from 1893 to 1896. Restoration work is still underway in the castle, but after the fire it is reborn in a different capacity. Next to the castle, on the banks of the Sula River, lies the Cesvainsky Park, in which the Cesvainsky fortification is located, covered with forest.

LITHUANIA

VASAKNOS ESTATE

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Vasaknos Estate is the ideal place for a romantic holiday. The estate was built and belonged to the most influential noble families of Lithuania: the Radziwills, the Platers and the Tyszkiewicz. Today it is popular place for weddings and events among those who value authenticity, quality and beautiful scenery. The unique architecture of the estate combines ancient stone and brick walls with oak structures, glass and granite, successfully connecting the past with the present.

The ensemble of the Vasaknos estate includes a restored estate and a brewery, which already existed in the 18th century, a bathhouse on the lake, a park with ponds and paths, preserved fragments of a stable and a palace.

TRAKAI CASTLE

Occupying the entire island, the magnificent complex of Trakai Castle became the seat of the princes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL). The castle in the Gothic style consists of a palace built by medieval masters and a “donjon” - a residential tower. These buildings were surrounded by a high, well-designed, strong defensive wall, behind which were the waters of Lake Galve. The castle lost its political significance when the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was moved from Trakai to Vilnius. However, for a long time it remained the favorite Lithuanian residence of Grand Duchy of Lithuania nobles and members of their families. In the 16th century, the castle was turned into a prison for nobles - prisoners of war of noble birth were detained here. In 1962, the restored castle was transferred to the Trakai Historical Museum.

OGINSKI ESTATE, PLUNGE

The estate of the Oginski princes, which was built in Plunge (a city in the northwestern part of Lithuania), is the most important historical monument, architectural and cultural heritage the whole country. The Oginski family originated in 1246 from Mikhail Chernigov, prince, and starting from 1547, in all documents, representatives of the Oginski family are called princely titles.

In 1873, the estate of the estate in Plunge was bought by Prince Ireneyus Oginsky from Alexander Zubov. After his death, the estate was inherited by his son Mikhail Nikolai Severin Mark Oginsky, and built in its place new palace, built in the neo-Renaissance style. In addition to the palace itself, other buildings were also built, intended for economic needs, which have survived to this day.

The architecture of Estonia is very diverse. This is due to the long occupation of the country by foreign states.

Since the 13th century, Estonia has been ruled by Danes, Germans, Swedes and Russians. As a result, traditional Estonian buildings were supplemented by numerous palaces, castles and manors of the conquerors.

Nowadays, preserved medieval castles and other architectural monuments are part of Estonian culture and attract many tourists.

The two most famous castles in Estonia are Tallinn Castle (Toompea Castle) and Narva Castle. Tallinn Castle is one of the oldest Estonian architectural complexes. According to assumptions, the first wooden castle was built back in the 10th or 11th century local residents ancient Rävala county.

Toompea Castle throughout history passed from one conqueror to another. In 1219 it was captured by the Danish crusaders, in 1629 it, along with the Estonian territories, passed to Sweden, and in 1829 to the Russian Empire.

And finally, in 1918, Estonia gained independence. Each of the owners of the castle carried out its reconstruction, completing construction and changing the original appearance.

Tallinn Toompea Castle, as well as the surrounding one Old city, today is considered one of the best preserved European cities of the Middle Ages. Of the 60 defense towers, 19 have survived.

Of greatest interest to historians is the preserved fortress wall with two towers. The most high tower"Tall Herman"(“Pikk Hermann”), visible a few kilometers before the entrance to the Estonian capital, has a height of 48 meters.

The entire complex occupies approximately 9060 square meters in area.

Nowadays the Estonian Parliament works in Tallinn Castle.

Tours of the castle are held on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can book a tour at various travel agencies or in some hotels. Groups of up to 35 people can book a guided tour of the Parliament and Toompea Castle on the official information website or by email.

Narva Castle (“Herman’s Castle”)

The castle, founded by the Danes in 1256, is located on the border of Estonia and Russia on the banks of the Narva River. It was first stone castle, built at the beginning of the 14th century. The castle was bought by the German Teutonic Order of Livonian Knights in 1346, and most of its existence belonged to this order.

The tall watchtower of Narva Castle (51 meters high) is visible from many kilometers away. Narva Castle is located directly opposite the Russian Ivangorod Castle, located on the other side of Narva.


Now the castle houses an interesting historical museum, which contains historical monuments of the city of Narva and the fortress itself. Right there in the castle, in the Northern Courtyard, there are craft workshops where tourists can try to make some kind of handicraft product on their own.

Ticket prices in summer:

Rakvere Castle

The castle, built in 1226, has long been one of the main strongholds in northern Estonia. Now on the territory of Rakvere Castle there is a historical museum, in which you can visit the death room, torture chamber, chapel, room with medieval weapons and armor, refectory, wine cellar and the hall of the history of the Livonian Order.

In the castle courtyard there are numerous objects of medieval everyday life, as well as a shooting cannon, a siege tower, and targets that tourists can shoot at you can shoot a bow. In the courtyard there is another attraction for tourists - a forge, where they can forge a nail or a horseshoe themselves.

Every day the castle hosts interesting programs, including, for example, a knight's tournament or a horse show.

Ticket price:

Associated with this Estonian castle interesting legend about himself famous ghost country - to the White Lady.

As the guides say, the woman, whose ghost still walks around the castle and its surroundings, was walled up in the wall of the castle, which was the residence of the bishop, after the inquisition process.

Ticket price:

Another interesting castle in Estonia is Kuressaare Castle, located on the island of Saaremaa.

Its construction dates back to the middle of the 13th century. The castle, surrounded by defensive structures, has been very well preserved to this day.
Now the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum.

Ticket prices:


Manors and estates in Estonia

In addition to numerous castles, Estonia is home to many beautiful and historically interesting estates and estates. Many surviving manors have been restored and welcome tourists or are used for various holidays and events.

Can be recommended to tourists visit the following estates:

Palmse Manor Museum, decorated in the classicist style, is located near national park Lahemaa.

Visitors can see not only the estate itself, but also a whole complex of gardens, parks and historical buildings.

It hosts weddings, receptions, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and events for those who love history and adventure. You can not only watch them, but also take part.

The estate is open to tourists every day from 10.00 to 18.00, during the warm season - from 10 to 19.00.
Ticket price:

It is better to book group excursions in advance by phone or Email: [email protected].

Try getting to Tallinn by ferry. , schedule and useful tips on our website.

Read about Tallinn shopping centers. There are 14 largest shopping centers in Tallinn, so you definitely won’t be left without shopping.

If you go to Tallinn in winter, we suggest you read another article of ours: – all about Tallinn attractions, which, however, are good at any time of the year.

Sagadi Estate

The Sagadi estate, built in the 18th century, is an architectural monument of the Rococo and Baroque styles. The beautiful manor is located just an hour’s drive from Tallinn, in the Lahemaa National Park. Various animation programs are held here for groups.

Excursion cost, which includes a ticket to the Sagadi estate, the Forest Museum and the Cage (an old wooden building included in the estate complex):

There is a hotel and restaurant on the territory of the complex.

Kolga Manor is considered an example of classic Estonian manor style, and its main building resembles an ancient temple.

The estate was built in 1230 by Cistercian monks, and in 1581 it passed to the famous Pontus Delagardie, a military leader of Sweden. Since 1820, Kolga passed to the noble family of the Stenbocks, who own it to this day.

Currently, the Kolga Museum operates on the territory of the complex, open to the public.

In the summer, the Kolga Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the rest of the time only on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticket price:

Estate of merchant Eliseev

In Northern Estonia, in the city of Toila, there was an estate of the Russian merchant Eliseev. And although the Eliseevsky Palace was destroyed during the war, it was preserved beautiful park Oru. In addition, the wall of the Eliseev estate, a fountain with a bas-relief and terraces have been preserved.

Oru Park address: Merepuiestee tn 10, Toila alevik, Toila vald, Ida-Viru maakond.
Entrance to the park is free.

The Jäneda manor houses the famous music observatory of composer Urmas Sisak and a museum.

Now it is a place of recreation and entertainment, where you can ride horses in the summer and sleigh and ski in the winter. Halls of Yaneda– an excellent place for conferences and exhibitions, and local cafe offers visitors all kinds of national dishes.

The museum contains interesting materials about the village of Jäneda and its history, as well as about the last owners of the estate, the von Benckendorff family.

A visit to the estate is possible by prior agreement with the sales department by phone or email: [email protected].

Each of the listed castles and manors, as well as numerous other palaces and manors in Estonia, reflect historical development and culture of the country.

Of course, it is almost impossible to visit all these attractions in one trip to Estonia, but tourists are recommended to include at least some of them in their excursion program.

Palmse is the noble nest of the Baltic German barons von Pahlen. Their family came with the Crusaders and survived during the Russian Empire. The aristocrats of von Palen knew a lot about a beautiful life and we were lucky that their family estate came to us and was restored to excellent condition. Now the estate houses a hotel, hostel, restaurant and tavern, various museums with master classes, cattle sheds, a blacksmith shop, vodka and wine production, a greenhouse and orchards, an information center for Lahemaa National Park, the first national park in the USSR.

This is truly chic and luxury. On the official Palmse website you can find many excellent offers for individual, family and corporate holidays. The estate is open to everyone to stroll among the buildings, around the ponds and lakes and along the paths of the large natural park it's completely free. The manor is located very close to the Tallinn - Narva highway, see the official website for more details.

Today we can see the building of the 18th century in the Baroque style and the wooden buildings near the water have stone columns. Here is the main building of the estate - the castle.

A panorama of the pond behind the castle, a rotunda and wooden stairs frame the pond, with a vodka factory in the center.


A bathing house with a restaurant next to a small pond.

Boats for leisurely walks along the ponds, a group of rotundas on specially designed cascades in the park. Behind the red rotunda is a hostel for guests, it can be booked, but we haven’t gotten here yet - it’s always busy)))

The park, trimmed bushes, benches - everything is in perfect condition, it just rings!

We were there in the golden September autumn; the estate’s workers had been clearing leaves in the morning using mobile wind blowers.

Coffee house in the park.

According to legend, these massive pyramids stand on balls simply under their own weight.

The entrance to the estate's castle is simply full of luxury; you walk nearby and feel pleasant from the beauty.

Tourists from Japan and Europe come to see the estate, we saw Germans and Japanese.

The wine and vodka distillery is open and delights hotel guests and guests of the estate with luxurious tastings. Not far from the factory there are apple orchards; in the north of Estonia, wines are made from fruits. We picked up a few apples, they were damn delicious!

Entrance to the greenhouse and flower garden.

Near the blacksmith’s house lies one of the first steam tractors brought to Estonia back in the 19th century. Manufacturer: Garett and Sons, Leiston Engineering Workshops, England.

We walk around the pond and go to the lakes.

Panorama of the estate - opens in a larger size by clicking on the picture.


receive new posts by email:

Over its centuries-old history, the land of Estonia has changed owners several times. From the 13th century to the first half of the 20th century, it was alternately ruled by the Danes, knights of the Livonian Order, Swedes and Russians. Each of these peoples was noted for something: some built defensive castles, some monasteries, others palaces and villas. All this architectural eclecticism fits very organically into natural landscapes, creating a unique image of Estonia.

Castles of Estonia

Most of the medieval castles in Estonia arose in the first half of the 13th century, when the Danes came to these lands. The vast majority of them are located on the Baltic Sea coast.

Hermann's Castle (Hermanni linnus)

This is the very first knight's castle that you will see without even crossing the borders of Estonia. It was built by the Danes in the 13th century. The height of the walls is 40 meters. The famous tower of the Long Herman castle was built by the Livonian knights after 1346. It was the citadel of the defensive fortifications of Narva; near it there are still the ruins of the Swedish bastions, which were taken by the army of Peter I in 1704.

There is a city museum in Narva Castle. The 51 meter high tower can be climbed to explore the surrounding area. In the summer, there is an interesting interactive exhibition in the northern courtyard, where you can:

  • Get acquainted with the life of a medieval city.
  • Watch artisans at work.
  • Take part in various holidays.

The museum is open daily from 10 am, a full ticket costs 4 euros, a family ticket costs eight.

Read about other attractions of Narva. Interesting for tourists and. It would be a good idea to learn about the special features of this city before your trip.

Rakvere

Halfway from Narva to Tallinn, be sure to stop in the city of Rakvere. There on high hill Vallimägi, you will see the ruins of the castle of the same name (Rakvere linnus), built by the Danes at the beginning of the 13th century. In Russian chronicles it is mentioned as Rakovor, near whose walls in 1268 the knights of the Teutonic Order were defeated by the united army of the Pskov and Novgorod veche republics.

The castle experienced a turbulent life and was besieged by Livonian knights, Swedes, Poles and twice by Russians. By the beginning of the 19th century it lay in ruins. Restored by 1988.

Operates on the castle grounds most interesting museum. You can do everything there - climb the walls, touch the armor, see the torture chamber, the master's halls, the refectory, the wine cellar. In the courtyard there are several working workshops and a firing cannon. Tours of the castle are conducted during the warm season. A family ticket costs 12 euros.

Toolse (Toolse ordulinnus)

18 kilometers north of Rakvere there is the village of Kunda. On the hill next to it are the ruins of Toolse Castle (1471), which are part of the defensive system of Rakvere Castle.

Toompea

This is without a doubt the most famous castle in Estonia. Without it, it is impossible to imagine the appearance of the capital of this country - Tallinn. Actually, the city itself, whose name is Taani linn - “Danish city”, began with this castle. The construction of a stone defensive structure, standing on a high hill of the same name, began at the beginning of the 13th century by order of the Danish king Waldemar.

It was given its current appearance by the knights of the Livonian Order, who ruled Estonia since 1346. It was they who built the famous tower “Long Herman” (the name is not related to the personal name, the knights called any high defensive structure that way). Initially, it had a height of 48 meters, and was added another 10 meters only in the 16th century, after which it took on its modern appearance. The appearance of the castle was improved by the Swedes, turning it into a representative building.

In the 18th century, after two centuries of neglect, it was restored by order of Catherine II. During these works, the eastern wall was demolished and a Baroque palace was built in its place, in which the residence of the Estonian governor-general was located.

Now the Estonian parliament is located in this castle, and the country’s national flag flies on the Long Hermann.

The most majestic view of Toompea opens from Toompark, located at the foot of the cliff on the western slope of the hill. But you can get on the tour, which is held in the castle on weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, by going up from the Lower Town along Pikk jalg street ( Long leg) to Loosi Plats.

Read about other attractions in Tallinn.

Bishop's Castle in Haapsalu (Haapsalu piiskopilinnus)

Another interesting medieval site is located in Haapsalu, the main resort town Estonia. This is an episcopal castle, the beginning of construction of which dates back to the 13th century. In fact, this is not a military fortification, but a protected residence of the Bishop of Ezel-Vik. It expanded and strengthened until 1526. In its final form it had an area of ​​30 thousand square meters. meters, was surrounded by walls 10 to 15 meters high and more than one and a half thick. At the same time, a watchtower 29 meters high was built. The residence was badly damaged by Russian troops during the Livonian War. The Swedes who replaced them in the 17th century no longer used it as a defensive structure. The troops of Peter I reduced the episcopal residence to a state of ruins for reasons of military necessity.

There are a couple of folk legends about the castle. One is about a girl walled up alive in a wall, the other is about a bishop’s treasures, which are guarded by a huge black dog. You can listen to them in the original by visiting the museum, which has an interactive exhibition for those who want to taste the “sweetness” of the life of a medieval city dweller.

There you can also visit several halls and listen to church music. The city center, where the castle stands, can be reached on foot along Karja Street. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm. In summer it is open daily, and from October 1st to March 30th - by prior arrangement. A full ticket costs 4 euros, a family ticket costs 10. Children under eight years old have free admission.

Kuressaare Bishop's Castle (Kuressaare piiskopilinnus)

Fifty kilometers south of Haapsalu there is the town of Virtsu, from where you can take a ferry to the island of Saarema. In the capital of this island, the city of Kuressaare, there is another wonderful example of medieval fortification art. Its construction began in 1222. The fortress acquired its finished form in 1360. It is a square structure with strong walls and towers, protected by bastions and surrounded on all sides by a moat.

The castle in Kuressaare is a uniquely preserved medieval fortress, the only one of its kind on the Baltic coast.

It is interesting that she is connected with one of the offspring of the Munchausen family, who was the Bishop of Saare-Läänemas. He sold the fortress to the Danish King Frederick II in 1560.

There is a museum in the fortress, where you can not only get acquainted with history, but also take part in many interactive historical reconstructions. The museum is open from May 1st to August 31st daily, from 10 am to 7 pm. And the rest of the year - Monday and Tuesday are weekends, and it opens an hour later. A full entrance ticket costs five, and a child’s ticket costs 1 euro; for students, a visit to the museum will cost 2.5 euros.

Manors and manors

Estonian manors and manors are mostly country houses of the nobility built in the 19th century, often stylized as knight's castles.

Maarjamäe

The estate of Counts Orlov-Davydov, similar to medieval castle, is located in the elite district of Tallinn Pirite. It was built in 1864. Known to many of us from the film “The Hound of the Baskervilles”.

The building changed owners several times and was abandoned for a long time; the original interiors were not preserved. Since 1975, a branch of the Estonian historical museum. You can walk around the estate park for free, and a tour of the museum will cost you 4 euros.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get there from shopping center Viru Keskus by buses No. 1A and No. 34.

Sangaste

Almost on the very border of Latvia and Estonia, if you go from Tartu to Riga, near the town of Valga there is another wonderful manor built in the historicist style in 1870. Windsor Palace was chosen as a model when developing her project.

The red brick house with turrets is surrounded by an English park with lawns, alleys and a network of ponds. There is an oak tree in the park, which, according to legend, was planted by Peter I.

This castle can be rented for especially special events. For example, wedding ceremonies. All excursions and events are carried out by prior agreement with the owner of the estate on the official website: http://www.sangasteloss.com There you can also find out prices and the most convenient way to get there.

Taagepera

If you want to relax in a romantic setting, then you can’t find anything better than Taagepera Castle. It is located in the south of Estonia, two hundred and fifty kilometers from Tallinn. The first mention of this castle dates back to XVI century, but over the past centuries it has undergone many reconstructions, so that all that remains of the former knight’s castle is a high (40 meters high) tower, and two small ones in the corners of the vast building. Now it is a large two-story estate with a luxurious park.

It is a historical landmark of Estonia and is even depicted on one of the postage stamps. In 2002, a hotel and restaurant were opened there.

In this estate you can simply relax or organize any event:

  • Wedding.
  • Anniversary.
  • Business meeting.

In the park adjacent to the estate (18 hectares) pheasant hunting is organized for shooting enthusiasts. In addition, in Taagepera you can ride horses and go fishing. The only condition for staying in this hotel or organizing an event is to agree everything with the administration on the official website of the castle: http://www.taagepera.eu/?lang=en

To get there you must first get to the city of Valga. For example, get off in this city from St. Petersburg to Riga. After this, change at the Valga bus station to a local bus to Helme, or directly by taxi to the estate.