Places to visit in Kuressaare

History & architecture

Kuressaare Town Hall

The town hall on Tallinna Street in the centre of Kuressaare is a 17th-century Northern Baroque monument. The building was constructed between 1654 and 1670 on the initiative of Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie. Its austere facade features a carved stone portal with the completion date, and two lion sculptures stand at the entrance. Inside, the historical administrative function coexists with cultural uses: it houses the city exhibition hall, the tourist information centre and the rooms of the rural municipality assembly. You can start your visit with the exterior, and check with the tourist info centre about viewing the upper hall and its ceiling paintings; its opening hours do not imply access to all rooms.

Tallinna tn 2, Kuressaare linn, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Kuressaare St. Lawrence Church

The Lutheran St. Lawrence Church on Tallinna Street in Kuressaare is an architectural monument of church architecture. The church has stood here since the 17th century and received its current appearance after restoration completed in 1836. Inside, you can see an old chandelier, a medieval baptismal font from Anseküla Church, and altar painting by Karl Sigismund Walther. The restrained interior space is complemented by modern stained glass windows by Urmo Raus and historic tombstones set in the floor. This is an active parish: services begin on Sundays at 11:00. To view the interior outside the published summer season, visit times must be coordinated with the parish.

Tallinna tn 13, Kuressaare linn, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Suur Tõll and Piret sculpture in Kuressaare

The sculpture of Suur Tõll and Piret on Pargi Street in Kuressaare is a monument to the heroes of Saaremaa legends, located in front of the Meri Hotel. Created by Tauno Kangro in 2002, the composition depicts the giant and his wife carrying a boat with a rich catch. The theme connects island folklore with the sea and local fishing traditions. In the legends, Tõll is so huge that he can walk across the sea; tales about him offer a fresh perspective on familiar island landscapes. The sculpture is installed outdoors and is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. It can be viewed from all sides while strolling through the coastal part of the city.

Pargi tn 15, Kuressaare linn, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Kuressaare Püha Nikolai kirik

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas on Lossi Street in Kuressaare is an architectural monument of the late 18th century. The stone church was built in 1786–1789 by order of Catherine the Second and consecrated in 1790. The three-nave building offers a glimpse into another side of the city's religious history, where an Orthodox community formed after the Great Northern War. When viewing from the street, pay attention to the fence and the tripartite gate with Doric semicolumns: they are part of the protected architectural ensemble. The church remains active. The published visiting hours apply to the summer; the possibility of going inside in autumn and winter should be checked with the parish.

Lossi tn 8, Kuressaare linn, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Kuressaare Kursaal

The Kuressaare Kursaal is a historic resort building in Kuressaare's castle park, a reminder of how the town became a well-known summer destination. Opened in 1889, the wooden building originally housed a restaurant, a summer theatre hall and service rooms. Its spacious verandas and period architecture form a distinctive ensemble with the castle surroundings. Today the Kursaal is linked to seasonal dining and accommodation, but its exterior can also be admired while walking in the park. Plan a visit to the interior according to the season and the operator's opening hours.

Lossipark 1, Kuressaare

History & architecture

Saaremaa War of Independence Memorial

The Saaremaa War of Independence memorial stands on Lossi Street in Kuressaare and commemorates islanders who died in the Estonian War of Independence. The original design of the memorial was by the sculptor Amandus Adamson, and the monument was unveiled in 1928. The original sculpture, destroyed during the war, has never been found, but the memorial was restored as the work of a local sculptor. It is an important reminder in Kuressaare's historic townscape of those who fought for Estonia's independence. The monument can be viewed from outside, combining the stop with a walk along Lossi Street and the old town's historic buildings.

Lossi tänav L1, Kuressaare

History & architecture

Kuressaare Fire Station

The Kuressaare Fire Station (Pritsumaja) is a historic fire brigade building on Tallinna Street in central Kuressaare. The building belongs to the town's older building stock and recalls a time when fire safety depended on the organised efforts of the local community. Its distinctive exterior makes a good stop when exploring the architecture of Kuressaare's old town. The fire station is close to the town hall and other historic buildings in the centre, so it is easy to see during a walk. It is primarily an architectural sight rather than a typical ticketed museum visit.

Tallinna tn 4, Kuressaare

History & architecture

Saaremaa Windmill

Saaremaa Windmill is a historic Dutch-type stone windmill on Pärna Street in Kuressaare, completed in 1899. Unlike the island's traditional post mills, it has a massive stone body and a structure with a rotating roof section. The windmill was restored in the 1970s and now houses a restaurant where historic industrial heritage meets local food culture. In the five-storey building you can spot the features of the old mill and learn about its history. From outside the windmill is an easily recognisable landmark of Kuressaare; visiting the interior depends on the restaurant's opening hours or prior arrangement.

Pärna 19, Kuressaare

History & architecture

Karja St. Catherine's Church

Karja St. Catherine's Church in Linnaka village, Saare County, is a medieval church in the north of Saaremaa. The small building contains a wealth of carved stone details and sculptures that reward a slow look and reveal traces of different eras. The church dates from the 13th century and is one of the island's most distinctive architectural monuments. Public opening is seasonal: according to tourist information the church is open in summer, while at other times the possibility of visiting the interior should be checked with the congregation. The exterior can be viewed at other times as well.

Karja kirik, Linnaka küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Angla Windmill Hill

Angla Windmill Hill in Angla village, Saare County, brings together five historic windmills. Four of them are post mills typical of Saaremaa, while the fifth is a Dutch-type mill. On site you can see farm machinery and explore the exhibition of the heritage culture centre; in season there are farm animals too. The centre has a café and craft workshops, but workshops must be booked in advance and their price is not included in the standard ticket. A one-day ticket gives access to both the windmill hill and the heritage culture centre.

Indicative price: Adult €10; pupil €5; reduced €7; family ticket €20; workshops at extra cost

Tuuliku, Angla küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Kiipsaare Lighthouse

Kiipsaare Lighthouse is a historic tower standing by the sea in the Kõruse-Metsaküla area of Saaremaa Parish, Saare County. Changes to the Harilaid coastline have left the tower, originally built on dry land, standing in the water, and its tilt may change over time. The roughly 26-metre lighthouse is visible from far across the landscape, but it can only be viewed from outside and from a distance. To get there you must walk a marked hiking trail in Vilsandi National Park; it is about five kilometres on foot from the car park to the tower. Set out with suitable footwear and plenty of time.

Kõruse-Metsaküla küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Maasi Order Castle Ruins

The Maasi Order Castle Ruins are in Maasi village, Saaremaa Parish, Saare County, close to the sea. Walls and vaulted rooms survive from the former Livonian Order fortification, giving a sense of the island's Middle Ages and the importance of guarding sea routes. The castle was destroyed in the 16th century, but the site is still easy to read in the landscape: stone walls, an open inner area and the nearby water form a clear whole. The ruins can be visited all year round, but take care when moving around the old walls. A short stop also fits well into a longer tour of Saaremaa.

Linnuse, Maasi küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Pöide Maarja kirik

Pöide St. Mary's Church is located in Pöide village on Saaremaa and is one of the island's largest medieval stone churches. The building developed in the 14th century, and its walls contain traces of an earlier construction phase. The church's spacious single-aisle interior, stone decoration, and historic vault paintings provide a glimpse into medieval sacred art. Restoration work has been carried out in the sanctuary, and access may depend on the season and the congregation's activities. The church is an independent architectural monument, not part of the nearby ruins of Maasi Order Castle.

Maarja, Pöide küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Kihelkonna Mihkli kirik

Kihelkonna St. Michael's Church is located in the small town of Kihelkonna on Saaremaa and is one of the oldest stone churches on the island. The construction of the sanctuary began in the second half of the 13th century, and the current tower was added later. The interior of the church features high carved vaults and historical furnishing elements. Particularly distinctive is the bell tower standing separate from the church, which together with the main building forms a characteristic ensemble. The church tower was once also used as a sea mark. During the summer season, the interior can be visited during published visiting hours; at other times, it is advisable to contact the congregation.

Kiriku tn 6, Kihelkonna alevik, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

History & architecture

Reomäe Monastery

Reomäe Monastery in Reo village is a convent of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church and a spiritual place that grew up around a historic church. The monastery’s main church was completed in 1873 and is dedicated to the memory of the Apostle Andrew. Where possible, visitors are shown the church and chapel and told about monastic life; on reaching the main building you are asked to ring the doorbell, and group visits must be booked in advance. The small monastery shop sells, among other things, locally produced honey and monastery goods. The monastery is closed to visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Reomäe skiita, Reo küla, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond