kuressaare episcopal castle

This place really has been preserved so well that you automatically get the feeling of the 18th century when entering the gates! What I love about wondering inside this place is the fact that you have so many different levels and rooms to enter. And something to see in every single room. May it be a weird art gallery, pictures of Soviet Union or other things. Not to mention when you enter the rooftop and witness this beautiful sunset! Make sure to take some pictures! You can actually get lost in this awesome castle if no workers would be there to keep an eye on you occasionally. And the ladies are so sweet and nice. I recommend this place to anybody visiting Saaremaa. You'll feel the old-times vibe as soon as you step into the courtyard.

Loved this wonderful castle. The exhibition throughout the castle is tastefully laid out and very informative, there's something here for everyone.

Stone castle history starts already from the Long Hermann tower built in the end of 13th century that was the central tower of circle-walled castle type of fortress. The convent type castle task was to be the administrative centre of certain area, to make possible the gathering of rather large amount of people, that is represented in the architecture of the building, and to offer the protection in case of uprisal or war. In the beginning of 20th century the castle was restored for Saaremaa knighthood residence. Interesting to know: Some researchers had suggested that on the place of current stone castle could have been the wooden one already in 11th century

Despite only a passing interest in history and historical architecture, I've been to many castles. Few are as complete and intact as this one, and few fit the classical concept of a castle so well. Even though we arrived in the evening, and in winter, there was much to see and enjoy, even in sub-zero temperatures.Kuressaare castle is surrounded by a real moat: one that is full of water, and which completely surrounds the castle. In the moat there are three islands, one of which bears a memorial to the war dead of Kuressaare. Another bears the Ekesparre Boutique Hotel, voted by TripAdvisor users as the best in Kuressaare. Indeed the main entrance to the castle passes directly by the front door of the hotel.Inside the moat, there is an impressive earthwork "wall" that completely surrounds the castle, this can be ascended at many points, and walked completely around, giving superb views of the castle, and of the surrounding area. There are no barriers or railing at any point, and there are numerous places where a fall would be painful, and potentially fatal.To enter the castle itself, one has to pass beneath an impressive portcullis gate, next to which there are three impressive cannons. More impressive still, the castle is home to a working cannon - the oldest in Estonia.During winter, the castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and my visit to Kuressaare was on those two days of the week, so I did not see inside the castle. Entry is €5, and I would love to have gone inside, but even without doing so this was for me a must-see attraction. Possibly my favourite castle of the many i have visited.On the main island there area number of buildings, and a stage where in summertime, shows and spectacles are held. Other activities - archery, pottery etc are also hosted on the island when the weather is warmer. When the moat freezes, people ice skate on it. Rooms can be used for marriages, conferences and meetings. A feast menu is available, and visitors can dine in the castle. As well as being a museum, the Castle really seems yo be part of Kuressaare culture.

Kuressaare can boast the best preserved Medieval castle in the Baltic states. The castle dates to 1338 although the central tower could be even older. The grounds are free to enter but the castle houses the Regional Museum of Saaremaa which costs €2. Viewed from above, the castle is geometrically perfect, a diamond shape with substantial moat all the way around. There is even a portcullis. The museum inside is on three levels and details rural life in Saaremaa over the ages. This part of Estonia has held onto its traditions far more than any part of the country during the soviet era. There is a small chapel inside and you must head up to the roof where you can walk all the way around and have fine views of the Baltic Sea.

Well made collection of things before Soviet occupation and WWII history. Not for people not liking narrow stairs.

Although I'm not very interested in architecture, castles also, it was a nice place to stop. It's a huge castle with a lot of activities in here (archery, pottery, etc. - we didn't try these). We didn't go in the castle actually as we hadn't enough time, but there were a lot to see in the yard and the surroundings.

Its very special place to go. Its very clean and quiet place . I think you only thing need to do in here is relax:)

Okay, once you are in Kuressaare it is a must-see, but we found it after much looking and asking (it isn't in the downtown), that by the time we got there we were pretty tired. We enjoyed the beach behind it much more, and there was some kind of fair too that we checked out. It was also a nice surprise to find a restaurant at the side of the castle which was so cheap we couldn't believe our eyes after the Tallinn prices :)

Interesting history of Saaremaa and Estonia in the 2. Worldwar...Take plenty of time to see all the details at the museum. There is also a cafe, but many stairs to climb before you get there.

We were impressed with this old and perfectly safe castle (though it is outer castle walls are not so good saved). Full of different historical places and corners inside to discover, this Castle also has the "Soviet KGB museum", funny and curious. Some spooky places exists inside. you can visit even the roof. Walk around and inside and you will be very much satisfied with its atmosphere and historical milestones. LIKE IT! P.S. You can spend hours there and around! Be ready! Restaurants around the castle with scenic view will help you to rest and enjoy!Seashore is just nearby and if hot - you can try to swim in Baltic sea! Price is reasonable but not cheap. We didn`t found the parking near caslte (may be it exists) but we used downtown parking zone (free one) - not far away to walk, also discovering old Kuressaaare.

We came at 10:50 am to see the castle and its museum in October during heavy rainfall. Instead of letting us wait inside in a sheltered place for the museum to open at 11:00 am a staff member sent us back outside, saying (in Estonian) that the museum would open at 11 o'clock sharp, not earlier. Quite rude. Remembered us at a similar experience in 1981 in Moscow's airport. The museum itself has some parts that were created before 1990 obviously. A rather erraneous collection of old things, old photos beside old cameras. Not very exiting itself, but together with the museum's staff a perfect sample og how was life in Estonia in Sovjet time. Most of the staff must have been working there since 1990 at least, and this part of the museum was not changed since. Not nice, but really informative.The newer part of the museum shows some nice photos of the old Sovjet Estonian political l leaders , some good political jokes. All this gives quite a good impression of Estonian past since 1950. We were quite impressed about a film on sovjet border guards. The day before an inhabitant had told us they were not even allowed to swim in the sea, as Estonian islands were restriced border areas.The old castle has a somewhat depressing atmosphere in autumn. Conclusion: Kurressaare Episcopal Castle is a Must on Saaremaa.

We came by sailing boat from Stockholm, sailed across the Baltic the second year in a row.. The marina is great; it is close to the city centre has a sauna and a restaurant.In Kuressaare you must visit the castle. Now restored partly just a old castle , partly a museum showing the turbulent history of this island.What we loved most was the atmosphere, the people, the friendliness and the lovely tree houses. We had lots of fun during the night and managed to pour surprise to discover a nightclub and some nice bars. Prices are generally very affordable compared to western Europe.You do not need to plan two or max three days for the city of Kuressaare and a tour of the island.

We went more to see the building than the museum, but the museum is also very good. Children will love the hidden staircases and exploring this well kept old building.

There was a concert in the evening and we were charged 12eur/person to take a few photos of the castle. Got our money refunded, cuz we wre not into the concert. The visit of the open area of the castle is free, the museum inside is paid. Dont pay any money on the bridges to anyone