Hotel Mardi

Historical houses in Saaremaa Island

by Openseas

If you have a few days in Saaremaa then there is no better way to explore the island than visiting one of the manors which are scattered through out the island.

These houses are truly unique and some date back to the 13th century. The most important one being Oti which is the oldest manor in Saaremaa and is now used for weddings and conferences. Its located in the village of Oti not far from the ferry terminal.

Others are located through out the island at these quaint villages. Just pick a map of Saaremaa from the tourist information centre in Kuressaare.

Koljala - on the way to Kuressaare.
Pilguse village
Loona village
Pidula village.

Angla - Saaremaa's windmills.

by Openseas

The windmills which are located along the road side to the north coast and close to the ferry terminal of Trigi where ferries come from Hiiumaa and near the village of Leisi. The timber antiquated windmills look amazing against the serene landscape and with the 14th century church opposite this location is definitely worth a visit.

Monument of the War for Independence

by js77

This monument is built to commemorate the islanders who lost their lifes fighting for the indendence of Estonia in 1918-1920. It was twice demolished by Soviet authorities (in 1940 and in 1945). It's not surprising Soviets didn't like it - Estonian War for Independence was against Bolsheviks.

Little Capital of Saaremaa

by remigia

Kuressaare is the capital and the only town of Saaremaa. Everything here reminds of a small and calm province town. Even 4-store building looks like a sky-scraper and almost out of a place, here.
Although this even this small town has it's own history that began when Teutonic Knights conquered the island of Saaremaa and started building the strongest fortress on Baltic Coast. During the centuries Germany, Denmark , Sweden and Russia ruled the place. And all of them left imprint in development of Kuressaare.

The town is a perfect place for those who enjoy calm pleasures. The fresh sea air and quietness of the town attracks the most. And it is also one of the best Estonian mud spa resorts.
Calm doesn't mean boring. Lots of events take place in Kuressaare during summer time. Castle Day, Opera Days, Maritime Days, Chamber Music Days are just few of them that takes place in July and August.

"The Names of the Town"

The name Kuressaare is quite new. For ages the town was know as Arensburg- the Town of an Eagle. When in XIV century the Castle was built it got name after the coat of arms representing the eagle. The town built around the Castle got the same name. The name was changed in 1918 when Estonia got independance. The town was renamed to Kuressaare. It remained like this only for 20 years. In 1940 the Soviets came. They had some strange(personally, I say- idiotic) tradition giving places the names of famous communists. One of them- Victor Kingissepp- was born in Saaremaa so Kuressaare became Kingisseppa. Finally, in 1988 historical Estonian name Kuressaare was restored.

Kuressaare

by Hestia

Kuressaare was officially declared a town in 1563 by Duke Magnus, brother of the Danish king Frederik II.
The town centre of Kuressaare lies at its present place from the I half of the 17th century. Earlier the town center was situated closer to the castle.
The downtown with its small triangular squares took shape at the end of the 17th century and, being continuously restored, is now quite a sight.
Kuressaare is very small and one can easily take walking tours in the town.

More information:

http://www.saaremaa.ee/eng/tourism/default.htm