Kuressaare

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Shortened history of the castle:

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle is unique in being the only intact medieval fortress in the Baltic countries.

The building is a convent-type castle with a square main plan around an inner courtyard, and the oldest part, the Tower of Tall Hermann, is thought to date back to 1260. The main part of the building was probably started at around 1338 and the construction lasted for 40 years. The castle was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1381. The building has three storeys and two towers – the Defense Tower and taller Watch Tower. The latter was not given a roof until the 16th century. The castle was surrounded by impressive walls which have partly survived. One of the cannon towers that dotted the wall has now been restored, having originally been built in the 1470-s.

In the 16th century the castle was sold to the Danes who created the moat around the castle, therefore establishing a citadel. The area was then taken over by the Swedes and the Russians who modernised the building in their turn. In 1836 the castle was sold to the Knighthood of Saaremaa who then restored it during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Opening times and additional information:

The park and surroundings of the castle are free to enter and always open.
The inner courtyard and inside of the castle are accessible 1 September – 1 May Wednesday to Sunday 11.00-19.00, otherwise 10.00-19.00 (entry until 18.00) for a fee of about 2 Euros.