Viljandi takes the seventh place among Estonian cities in terms of population and area. During his history he experienced both high highs and desperate falls. At one time, Viljandi was the largest trade center of the Hanseatic League, and several years later it was almost completely destroyed and even deprived of the status of the city. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of this southern town have not lost their cheerfulness and cheerfulness. Former ruins turned into comfortable cozy streets, historical buildings were restored, the city was returned to its title. Today, Viljandi in Estonia accepts thousands of tourists, showing its sights cordially.
Delightful nature
It is not surprising that during the time of the rebellious Middle Ages, fierce battles were fought over the city. After all, it is located just in a fabulous place. Crystal clear air, soft flat-hilly landscape, the shore of a beautiful deep-water lake, dense coniferous forests. In addition to all this pristine magnificence, in Viljandi there are also man-made natural attractions:
- garden "Arcadia" - walking square in the center of the city with beautiful benches, fountains and flower beds;
- a park of musical instruments - here you can see unusual sculptures from solid wood (cannel, accordion, pipe);
- Trepimyagi (Staircase Mountain) - the construction was created to connect the city streets with the shore of the lake (the staircase consists of 5 spans and 158 steps);
- The castle park - got its name because of the proximity to the main sight of Viljandi - the Castle Castle.
Also around Viljandi Lake there is a hiking trail. Its length is 13.5 km, here you can walk or ride bicycles, I contemplate a picturesque picture around.
Historical buildings and structures
The oldest surviving fragment of the architectural structure in Viljandi is the ruined wall of the fortress of the Order. Its construction was started in the distant 1224, but finally the castle was built only by the middle of the XVI century.
The fortress was surrounded by a deep 15-meter ditch, it was rather problematic for tourists to reach it. Therefore, in 1931 it was decided to build a suspension bridge (the last reconstruction was carried out in 1995).
The castle with the bridge is not all that you can see in Viljandi. There are also:
- an old water tower 30 meters high - since 2001 a mini museum has been working inside, an incredibly beautiful view of the city opens from the observation deck (the tower is open for tourists from May to August, the adult ticket costs € 2, the child costs € 1);
- the church of St. John - was built in the XVII century, repeatedly destroyed and restored, in the middle of the twentieth century it was converted into a warehouse, but in 1992 it returned its mission (on Fridays and Saturdays the temple does not work);
- "Ugala" theater is the oldest drama theater in Estonia, created in 1920 (the average ticket price for the performance is € 16);
- Viljandi Town Hall - the first floor of the building has survived since Viljandi's heyday in the Hanseatic League, the clock tower was completed only in the XIX century, now there is a local administration (entrance is possible only by prior arrangement with the administration);
- the church of Paulus - appeared in the nineteenth century, as one church for all the parishioners of Viljandi was not enough (the church is closed to visitors on Mondays and Saturdays);
- Riga folklore music - opened in 2008, there are two concert halls, classrooms and a shop where you can buy CDs, books and musical instruments.
The architectural attractions of Viljandi attract with their distinctiveness and diversity. In this small town you can meet the centuries-old monumental structures, and interesting examples of the modern Estonian era.
Monuments and sculptures
The people of Viljandi deeply revere the memory of their great compatriots, so there are so many monuments in the city:
- the monument of Charles Robert Jacobson - located on Tartu Street, is dedicated to the famous Viljandi pedagogue, publicist and writer;
- a monument to Martin Klein - a famous sportsman who became the first who brought an Olympic medal to Estonia;
- sculptural composition dedicated to Augusta Maarama - the legendary mayor of Viljandi is captured in the company of his faithful dog (the monument stands near the town hall);
- the monument of Johan Laidoner on horseback - the commander-in-chief of Estonian troops, who was the leader in the War of Independence (located on Tally Street);
- Monument to Johann Koehler on Lossi Street - the founder of the national art school.
Well, perhaps, the most famous monumental landmark of Viljandi in Estonia is strawberry sculpture. There are 8 in all, and they are located all over the city. These unusual monuments are dedicated to the local artist-naivist - Paul Kondas, who became famous all over the world thanks to his film "Strawberry Eaters".
What else to see in Viljandi?
To get to know the city even closer, we advise you to visit the Viljandi Museum, which was placed in the building of the former city pharmacy. Expositions are quite diverse and very informative. There are stuffed animals and birds living in these parts, a lot of archaeological finds of different epochs, garments, ancient decorations, mock-ups of medieval settlements and much more. There are permanent museum halls, as well as temporary thematic exhibitions. The museum is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. The entrance ticket costs € 2, the family ticket costs € 4, the children's ticket costs € 1.
In 2003, a museum was opened dedicated to the life and work of the already mentioned Paul Kondas. It is located on the street Peak 8.
There is another place in Viljandi that is sure to visit - the Guild of Craftsmen on Väike-Turu street 8. Here you can watch the work of various masters and take part in interesting master classes, creating original souvenirs from memory, made of paper, glass , ceramics and other materials. The cost of participation in master classes costs € 7-8. The guild is open every day except Sundays.