Kuressaare Castle

The first written mention of the castle dates back to the 1380s, some sources date the construction of the castle with an attached monastery to 1341. Since the islanders at that time offered fierce resistance to Christianization, which also resulted in violent uprisings, this castle was part of the efforts of the Teutonic Order and the bishops of Ösel-Wieck to gain control of the island. The fortress remained in the possession of the bishops until the Reformation and was one of the most important castles in the entire diocese until that time.

The bishop's castle of Kuressaare is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the Baltic States.

The castle / fortress of Kuressaare, popularly known as Kuressaare Castle, is one of the most interesting and best preserved fortifications in Estonia. It developed from the castle in the course of building and finishing works from the 14th to the 19th century one of the most noteworthy buildings in northern Europe.