First of all, Rakvere , of course, is famous for its castle, in which you can immerse yourself in the life of a medieval city in all its manifestations. But besides the castle in the ancient city of Estonia Rakvere there are enough sights: it's an old church, and buildings of the 20th century, and unusual museums and original monuments.
Architectural monuments
- Rakvere Castle . The castle on the hill of Vallimägi was built in the 13th century. the Danes. Expansion of the castle took place until the XIV century. Now here is a museum, the expositions of which are devoted to the history of the Rakvere site of ancient settlement, the history of swords and early firearms. In the castle you can climb to the roof and look into the wine cellar. Then the most courageous is invited to descend into the dungeons and repeat the path that the prisoners of the castle passed. Tourists are waiting for a torture chamber with a rack and a torture wheel, a tomb where the unfortunates were left to die, and in the end - a real "hell" where the souls of sinners were to fall. Around are scattered skulls and bones, there are coffins, and to full authenticity the atmosphere is approached by sounds and visual effects. In the courtyard of the castle, the life of a medieval city is recreated. Here you can practice in archery, dress in knightly armor and take part in a battle with spears, try your hand at carpentry, pottery and blacksmithing, play giant chess. There is even a street of red lanterns! You can taste dishes based on medieval recipes in the Shankenberg Inn.
- Rakveri Theater . Theatrical life in the city began in the late XIX century. However, actors received their own premises only in 1940, when they handed over the manor building in the National Park. The first performance here was played on February 24, the anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Estonia.
- Church of St. Paul . The church building began to be built on Liberty Square in the late 1930s, but the subsequent events prevented the plans and the building still stands unfinished. Not completed two towers, the facade is not plastered. Its mission was fulfilled by the church for a very short time - during the Soviet era, a gymnasium was located here, which is still in the building.
Museums
- Estonian Police Museum . The museum has been operating in Rakvere since 2013. The idea was realized thanks to cooperation with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department. The purpose of the museum is to give the visitor the opportunity to "get into the skin" of a police officer and, playing, understand how difficult and important his work is. Of course, the museum will be of primary interest to children and young people. Here you can change into a police uniform, investigate a crime, take fingerprints, make a photo sketch, go through a lie detector test, and recognize counterfeit money. Children are reincarnated as a detective, a traffic police officer, a criminalist and even a spetsnaz officer, and also learn the rules of the road in a game form. In the museum you can find out about the ten most notorious crimes that ever happened in Estonia. The museum is located near the hill of Vallimägi and its visit can be combined with sightseeing of the Old Town.
- House-museum of the inhabitants of Rakvere . Museum in a small wooden house on the street. Pikk, not far from the hill of Vallimägi. Here, the situation is recreated and objects of everyday life of townspeople from the 19th century are presented.
Churches
- Church of the Holy Trinity . Lutheran Church, built in the XV century. Survived two wars and two fires, but survived and is now one of the symbols of the city. The highest structure of the district. Its total height is 62 m, the height of the tower is 37.8 m. The church spire is visible from anywhere in the city. Every midday, from the bell tower, the sounds of a musical composition are heard, which was written by the famous Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.
- Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin . Orthodox church. It was built in 1839 on the main street of the city. Before that, the building had a dwelling, which was owned by Dr. Sickler. The house was bought out with state money. By the 1900's. the church took the present form, then it was sanctified. Here is stored cancer with the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Sergius (Florinsky) Rakvere, who in 1918 was shot by the Bolsheviks. Cancer is on the left side of the altar. The immortal hand of the Great Martyr with a cross placed in it is on display. From other shrines of the church the icon of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the icon of the Mother of God and Nicholas the Miracle-Worker are most revered.
Monuments
- Tarvas . A giant bull looks at the city from the hill of Vallimägi. Sculpture of the authorship of the famous Estonian master Tauno Kangro was installed in 2002. Its dimensions are impressive: the statue is 7 m long and 4 m high.
- "A young man on a bicycle listens to music" - a monument to Arvo Pärtu. Monument to the famous Estonian composer in the Central Square (Turu plats). Was opened on September 11, 2010 to the 75th anniversary of the composer. The monument depicts a boy who got off the bike to listen to music coming from the loudspeaker. From the loudspeakers music is playing right now!
Monuments of nature
Oak Grove . Located south of the castle. One of the few preserved oak groves in Northern Estonia. A hiking trail with a length of 3 km passes through the grove. Here you can see the monument "The Crown of Thorns", dedicated to Estonians deported to Siberia, and the German military cemetery.
To the tourist on a note
The Tourist Information Center, where you can find out what else to see in Rakvere , is across the street from the Central Square. Even if you hit the center in the off hours, you can explore the city maps to the right of the entrance to the window.