The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Rapla County, Rapla County

The sculpture was designed by sculptor Raimo Kuusik and smith Toomas Tonisson.

The cornerstone was laid on the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord in Angerja in 1899. It was built in accordance with the plans of architect Vladimir Lunski. Compared to the other Orthodox churches in Rapla County, the Angerja church overflows with Russian soul.Did you know…?*During the Soviet era the church was used to store fertiliser*The church is home to one of Estonia’s contemporary iconic paintings *The Angerja church is one of very few Estonian Apostolic Orthodox churches in which a new iconostasis has been painted, including icons of all the saints

First church in Hageri was built by Danish missioners in 1221. The awakening movement of 19th century increased the congregation and they needed a bigger building.Designed by Ervin Bernhard in new roman style but with strong orthodox architecture motifs the church was consecrated in 1892. The alternating usage of rubble stone and bricks makes Hageri church unique among Lutheran churches.Interesting to know:- Hageri church is the only church in Estonia protected by Saint Lambertus.- In the altar wall made by J. Rabe the parts of Ackermann altar wall were used.- In the church you can see ring crosses

Church is dedicated to archangel Michael. From 14th century initial building partly remained rare in Estonian triple window situated in the east wall of the chorus. In 19th century building got its appearance in neo-gothic style under command on architect Ervin Bernhard.Interesting to know:- Here there is round the world traveller admiral A. J. Krusenstern's family burial place- Baroque pulpit is derives from Chr. Ackermann's workshop - In the church garden you can see 5 ring crosses from limestone. One of them has the writing: ”Sihn maggab Paia Jost ux auwus vannamees…” (Here sleeps Paia Jost, one honest old man...)- Altar derives from J. Rabe's workshop- Juuru church has beautiful stained glass windows - South gate of church garden has sundial

This Rapla church is the only rural church with two towers in Estonia. The New Roman style building that was consecrated in 1901 was designed by Baltic German architect Rudolf von Engelhardt, and is one of the purest examples of this style in Estonia. Interesting facts: The pulpit and altar were produced in the workshops of Christian Ackermann and Quirinnius Rabe. The Rapla Church Music Festival got its start in the Rapla church. In the church you can listen to the organ produced by Estonia’s renowned organ master craftsmen, the brothers Kriisa. The limestone building can accommodate 3,000 people. In the churchyard you can see round crosses dating back to the 17th century and the monument to the War of Independence designed by Jaan Koort.

This bridge, which crosses the Vigala River, was built in place of the former wooden bridge in the late 19th century. A reinforced concrete structure was superimposed on the old bridge in 2009, and pedestrian bridges were added on either side.Did you know…?*The renovated bridge is the only one of its kind in the country*The stone bridge is on the coat of arms of Rapla municipality*A café operates under the bridge on Rapla Day where the dress code is galoshes*River rallies have been held on the river under the bridge, and performances have been given on top of it*Mermaids have even been spotted in the river!*Bring a sandwich, come and park yourself by the river and enjoy some time to yourself! You might not spy any mermaids, but you’re sure to see some ducks!

The gate tower of Sutlema manor forms part of the unique Sutlema estate. The earliest records of the estate date back to 1425. Did you know…?*The gate tower is one of very few such manor structures still standing in Estonia today*The tower, with its baroque ‘helmet’, offers stunning views in all four directions*A vodka factory was constructed in place of the original north tower at the end of the 19th century*During the 1950s the second floor of the tower played host to dance classes for the local village children

This promenade, which winds its way along the banks of the Keila River, is a favourite spot among walkers. On one side it is bordered by the Vigala River, and on the other by the Maarja-Magdaleena church park.Did you know…?*You can picnic on the promenade, and even share some of your lunch with the resident ducks*The church park is home to Rapla’s oldest building – the parsonage, dating from the 18th century*The parsonage currently houses the Rapla Art Society*While you are here, be sure to visit Rapla church with its unique twin towers*In the church garden you will see a freedom monument designed by Jaan Koort

This unique monument, made from dolomite from the Estonian island of Saaremaa, was consecrated on 30 September 1923 in remembrance of the 142 men from Rapla parish who died in World War I and the Estonian War of Independence. It was designed by Jaan Koort. The original monument was destroyed in 1940, but a new version was unveiled on 23 June 1989 produced by sculptor Tonu Maarand.The monument is situated in the garden of the Maarja-Magdaleena church.Did you know…? *What remains of the original monument can be seen behind the church *In front of the parsonage you will see a group of trees known as the ‘Priiuse oaks’, which were planted to mark the end of serfdom

The first mention of the Varbola fortress dates back to 1212 and it was one of the biggest and most powerful ancient fortresses in Estonia and entire northern Europe. The 576 m long circular hill fort was erected on the natural slate stage in the shadows of the primeval forest and is 2-5 m high. In addition to the slate wall there was a several meters high fortification made of logs. The western gate was dug free and reconstructed. Interesting to know:·A quarter million horse cartloads of slate were brought here to build the walls. The Varbola fortress was never conquered by any enemy.·Here you can see a turret, a bricole and a battering ram·Visit us in August on the big event Varbola Puu (Varbola Tree)!·You can have an enjoyable picnic here!