Viljandi, Estonia

Viljandi Castle
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Viljandi_2010_002.jpg
Author: Danrok
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Viljandi is a small town in central-southern Estonia. Covering 14.62 sq km (5.6 sq mi), it has a population of 19,000 people (2011 estimate). Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Viljandi, the town has some 418 hectares of public green areas where visitors can enjoy nature up close.

Archaeological evidence shows that there has been human habitation in this area as early as the fifth millennium BC. The town itself dates from a settlement established in the 12th century AD. The medieval town joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, when it grew into an emporium for merchants traveling to and from Russia.

The growth of Viljandi came to an end in the 16th century with the Livonian War. More calamity was to follow when the Polish-Russian war destroyed much of it. The town was under Swedish rule from the 17th century until the Great Northern War of 1700-21. It was under Russian control with only shortlived moments of independence, until it finally regained full independence with the fall of the Soviet Union and the declaration of Estonian independence in 1989.

Viljandi Rope Bridge
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rippsild_Viljandis.jpg
Author: Vend Jaan
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Visiting Viljandi

You can reach Viljandi by bus from Tallinn, Tartu, Valga and Pärnu.

Places of Interest in Viljandi

Heimtali Museum of Domestic Life
Housed in a former school building, this museum showcases examples of domestic life in the past centuries.
Museum of Viljandi
Housed in one of the oldest stone buildings in town, the museum provides an understanding of the local history.
St Paul's Church
Church with the biggest functioning organ in Estonia.
Viljandi Castle
Ruins of the medieval fortress that was once the mightiest fort in Estonia and Latvia.
Viljandi Rope Bridge
A popular attraction for visitors to the town.

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