Europe Explored » Sights https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:49:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Vastseliina Castle Ruins in Estonia https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/03/vastseliina-castle-ruins-in-estonia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/03/vastseliina-castle-ruins-in-estonia/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 14:46:56 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3642 In southeastern Estonia, on a steep hill above the river Pisa you can find impressive Vastseliina castle ruins. It is situated on the outskirts of the village Vahtseliina and about 4 km from the town Vastseliina. This area due to its location on the trade route Riga – Pskov was the scene of many battles. […]

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In southeastern Estonia, on a steep hill above the river Pisa you can find impressive Vastseliina castle ruins. It is situated on the outskirts of the village Vahtseliina and about 4 km from the town Vastseliina. This area due to its location on the trade route Riga – Pskov was the scene of many battles.

Vastseliina castle was founded in the 14th century by German knights. It became the border point between the territories of the Teutonic Knights and the Russian area. Until the mid-19th century the area prospered. The castle is situated right on the road to Meremäe.

When you go to the castle away from the former Norman pub, on the left in the valley you will see Vastseliina Park, where a nice 15 km long circular hiking trail starts. This lead along the river up to the north to Suumremetse. Near the ruins there is a map with walking and cycling trails.

To Vastseliina castle you can get a regular bus connection from the metropolis Võru, which goes several times a day. Some buses then continue to the town of Missa.


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Tartu – the oldest city in Estonia https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/08/tartu-the-oldest-city-in-estonia/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/08/tartu-the-oldest-city-in-estonia/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:52:32 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2047 In this college town of Tartu with an amazing atmosphere you can see one of the most leaning buildings in Europe. Tartu is the oldest city and also the second largest city in Estonia. It lies in the southeast part of Estonia and it is said that Tartu is more Estonian than the capital city […]

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In this college town of Tartu with an amazing atmosphere you can see one of the most leaning buildings in Europe. Tartu is the oldest city and also the second largest city in Estonia. It lies in the southeast part of Estonia and it is said that Tartu is more Estonian than the capital city – Tallinn. Besides the rich cultural heritage it is also important technological research and development. The city played an important role for national liberation. Here in Tartu there were published newspapers and founded the first Estonian companies. On February 2 in 1920 a peace agreement between Russia and Estonia was signed here, in which Russia recognized the independence of the newly established state.

Tartu is a university town. The history of the local university dates back to 1632, and for centuries it has undergone a number of prominent personalities, such as W. Ostwald, owner of a Nobel Prize in chemistry. During the opening days, you can get into the university building. Except of the University Museum you can visit also a student cell. A small attic room looks like in the 19th century, where troublesome students were locked here as a punishment for violation of school rules, e.g.

  • canceling the night calm, or late return of books to the library – 2 days
  • an insult to the ladies – 4 days
  • an insult to the attendant – 5 days
  • fighting – up to 3 weeks

The center of Tartu is Raekoja plats with the Town Hall from 18th century. Originally its tower was empty, the clock has been installed later to stop students from being late. At the northeast corner of Town Hall Square you can see the ‘Leaning House’ as the answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is one of the most interesting sights in Tartu. Just few streets away you find toy museum, full of dolls and teddy bears from all different parts of the world and historical periods. During your walk through Tartu, you can find many other attractions. Inside the students canteen you will discover the most beautiful student caffe in the world.


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