What to do and see in Rapla, Rapla County: The Best Things to do

Composer Raimond Valgre (1913-1949) lives in the hearts of every Estonian. Everyone has a slightly different take on the man, but almost all see him as a dreamer, a romantic, talented through and through and completely dedicated to music - of which he is a creator of magical melodies. Musicals, plays and films have been made about him; books have been written about him; monuments have been dedicated to him; and his songs are always being sung. Valgre's contribution to Estonian music and his connections to Rapla, where he spent his childhood years, gave rise to the idea of the Raimond Valgre Museum. Here you can find out all about his life and work, while his famous songs play in the background.

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

Linda Raus (née Portsmuth) was a folk artist with an extraordinary range: she played the saxophone and accordion; staged operettas and plays; conducted choirs; taught hundreds of people folk dances; was the director of county and national folk festivals; and penned and directed dozens of performances.Did you know…?*This room provides a concise overview of the life’s work of Linda Raus*Lessons are held here every Tuesday at which you will meet some very interesting characters

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 Rutmani gallery forms part of Rapla’s cultural centre. Did you know…?*The gallery was named after the chairman of the education society that existed in Rapla at one time*Various exhibitions are held here throughout the year*The gallery’s café is a great place to enjoy some fine art and fine coffee*The café’s terrace often hosts unique musical events

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 portrait sculpture of Brigadier-General Mart Tiru (1947–2005) is located in the heart of Rapla. Former Estonian President Lennart Meri appointed Colonel Tiru the Deputy Commander of the Defence Forces in 2000, and promoted him to Brigadier-General later the same year – making him the first man to achieve such a rank in the country. Tiru played an importance role in Estonia’s accession to NATO.Did you know…?*Tiru’s final place of service was the United States, where he acted as a military representative of Estonia*The sculpture of Tiru was unveiled on Victory Day 2008 by current President Toomas Hendrik Ilves

I love Estonia. The very diverse history we have and also the constant change. You can always find new stories to tell. I’ve studied philosophy, history of art and culture management. I love to take my own family to travel around Estonia because even if I live here, I’ve still not seen or experienced everything. At the moment I live in Raplamaa. Renovating the old loghouse my grate-grandfather built. Coming back to my roots has led me to discover Raplamaa in somany different leveles.