Baltics - 21 June 2012 (2)

Kuressaare Castle

Kuressaare Castle

Kuressaare Castle

The castle was built in the 13^th century and, unlike most European castles of a similar age, has survived intact having never been attacked in earnest.  It is not exactly in its original state as radiators, modern toilets and electric lighting have been installed, together with a café in the high tower.

Vaulted Corridor, Kuressaare Castle

Its surroundings have changed too.  It was constructed on an island, which made it more defensible.  However, the land is gradually rising, still bouncing back at a rate of 2mm/year after being compressed during the iceage, so it is now a short distance from the sea, though still surrounded by a moat.

Chapel, Kuressaare Castle

Juhan guided us around the bishops’ quarters, the area having been governed by bishops from the 13^th to the 16^th centuries, when it was under German rule.  There were the usual chapels, dormitories and a great hall.

List of Bishops, Kuressaare Castle

More fascinating was an exhibition on the history of Saaremaa from the first inhabitants to the current day, including the stories of WWII and the subsequent Russian occupation.

Costumes in Exhibition, Kuressaare Castle

The exhibition was done well and included normal personal implements, costumes and mock-ups of rooms – even a mock-up of a flat during the Soviet period.  The occupation periods of the 20^th century were done objectively, but without hiding any of the bad bits.  Some humour crept into the tour as the stairs going up the tower had jokes on them in both Estonian and English.

Battlements, Kuressaare Castle

Hotel Staadioni from Kuressaare Castle Roof

At the end of the tour, we were able to walk around the battlements and get a good view of the town and the sea.  Thanks to the nearby stadium, we could identify our hotel, on the flat ground to a seaward side of the castle.