The most noteworthy site in Kuressaare is the Episcopal Castle, dating from the 13 th Century, the only Medieval fortress left in the Baltics. The towers, Sturvolt and Tall Hermann, were not begun until 1338. The castle was built of local dolomite marble and was surrounded by a rectangular outwork, a moat and a rampart. A town grew up around the Bishop’s Castle and in 1563, it was granted the status of an independent city. Prior to that, in 1559, the last bishop had sold the castle and the town to Denmark. In 1836, the fortress was eliminated from the list of Russian fortifications, and in subsequent years, it was used for various purposes and now houses the Saaremaa Museum of History and Nature. The castle is also a venue for cultural events: concerts are held in the Chapter House which has excellent acoustics, in the summer, a café is available on top of the tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, the sea, the island of Abruka and other islets.

Very nice and well-kept castle. Best chilly hideaway during the hot summer days :)