The 9 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Rapla County, Rapla County

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.

Overlooking a pond in Haimre park you will find an unusually large pavilion in Neo-Gothic style whose walls have been almost completely preserved. The structure is thought to date from the late 18th century. The front of the building resembles a church, but it is not believed to have fulfilled a religious function.Did you know…?*Alexander Uexkull, the song of the lord of Haimre manor, built the ‘chapel’ for his Oriental sweetheart*Locals refer to it as the ‘chapel of Muhammad’*In the park on the Haimre estate you will also find an old but well-preserved icehouse

Jarvakandi’s miniature wooden church was restructured from the village council building in 1996. It was designed by architect Illar Kannelmae. An entrance hall and bell tower were added to the building.Did you know…?*The altar painting and stained glass in the church were designed by Estonian artist Eva Janes*The church has a digital pipe organ*Jarvakandi’s St. Peter’s church is located 17 km from Jarvakandi itself

The Velise church was built according to the plans of Ervin Berhard. Stonecutters were brought in from the Lake Peipus area. The richness of decoration which is characteristic of the Russian art of construction was toned down to fit in with the Estonian culture through the skilled use of colour contrast between bricks and fieldstones.Did you know…?*The Velise congregation was the first to be founded during the period of active Russification in what is now Rapla County*15,000 roubles was allocated from the budget of the Russian empire for the construction of the church*In 1889 the church was consecrated in honour of John the Baptist*The church sometimes hosts concerts*The ‘swing island’ behind the church is an ideal place to picnic and relax

Marjamaa Church boasting lofty walls was built in the 14thC as the mightiest fortress-church in western Estonia. Its main characteristics are asceticism, simplicity, utility and quality. Its exceptionally high and thick walls used to be capped with balustrades.Marjamaa Church is the only fully preserved medieval church in Rapla County. Interesting to know:The church is approached by a memorial gate commemorating the Estonian War of Independence.The churchyard contains a Maltese stone cross dating from 1720 and bearing the inscription “Mu Poig”. In terms of interior proportions, the church is considered to be the finest of all Estonian county churches.At the times of the Livonian War, the shelter above the arches saved locals from the troops of the Russian ruler Ivan the Terrible.

The first mention of the church dates back to 1339. The church of Vigala was built by the oldest noble family of Livonia - UexkullThe old church was a slate building with high gables. The choir was vaulted and a free-standing tower was erected in the 15th century. Due to the suboptimal loamy ground new towers had to be erected repeatedly.Interesting to know:·The architect Alar Kotli designed the bell tower to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the battle of Vigala·In the Church in Vigala you can marvel at the Baroque pulpit and altar by C. Ackermann·The granite figures of a soldier and a farmer on the supportive pillars of the tower were hidden in the ground during the Soviet era.·There is a slate cross with mysterious symbols in the church in Vigala.