8 Historic Sites in Saare County That You Shouldn't Miss

Maasi medieval fort-castle was built with the forced labour of islanders. That's how the ruling Liivi order punished indigenous inhabitants for the uprising, which had destroyed orders previous stronghold. Seaside fort-castle was undefeated until blown up by Danes. 8m walls that survived the destruction have become a landmark.Good to know:On August 11th, 1576, Danish king Frederik II ordered Maasi stronghold destroyed, it has been in ruins ever since.

Of three formerly functional windmills used within the city borders this windmill is the only one preserved. Initially this construction was known as the Trei windmill, after the name of its builder and owner. The windmill was built in 1899 and it was used until the beginning of World War II. The restoration of the windmill began in 1972 and it was reopened as a coffeehouse in 1974. The aim of the restoration was to preserve the initial constructions of the Dutch type stone windmill. Good to know: the windmill was declared an architectural monument of national importance. The windmill is 17 m high and if we include its wings then its highest point reaches 24 meters of height.

By its ground plan stronghold is almost rectangular. In the middle of app. 4800 m² plain yard there is noticeable dimple, a former well place. Clearly are visible the locations of the gates in the north-east and north-west parts of the embankment. In winter it becomes a popular place for sledging.Interesting to know:There were found a part of spiral bracelet and crosshead breastpin dated from 12th-13th century.Inside of the embankment were found carbonized stumps of beams that digger associated with wooden fortification of the stronghold.

There are previous written memos about Koljala manor dating from 1509. The earliest parts of the building preserved till nowadays in cellar of the main house however date from 17th century. Even though the master house of those days was one-storied limestone building it is known that the rooms were illuminated by ten brass chandeliers, in front of the windows were gold-braid curtains and on the walls twelve big Flemish carpets. New bigger construction period took place in the manor in 18th century.Interesting to know:In the manor there is 400 volume library consisting mainly of classics works from 17-18th centuries.

Looking somewhat eclectic, the main part of the Oti manor house consisting of a single storey and a basement was apparently built in the 18thC. Later, balconies supported by slender columns were added at the sides. The building is adorned with many sculptural decorations, dolomite blocks at the corners, decorative window frames and a finely carved coat of arms of the Aderkass family above the entrance.Interesting to know:This is the oldest manor house in Saaremaa. It has a great historical and cultural value.Oti Manor was the centre of economic and cultural life in Paide.

The vessel uisk was a symbol of Muhumaa on Vainameri Sea for almost 1,000 years. The vessel was called huisk before, which meant snake or worm. This word was also used to describe the viking ships of Saaremaa, that attacked the territories of the Bishopric of Riga and took part in raids to Scandinavia. The uisk is probably one of the oldest types of sailing ships in Estonia. The revival and rebuilding of the ancient ship started in Koguva port in 2009. During the project, a traditional uisk vessel will be built, which will be 15 metres long and 5.2 metres wide.