Kuressaare Castle

Kuressaare Castle is a fine example of the late-Gothic style in the architecture of fortifications.

The extreme stricktness of the exterior and the monumental gravity forms an organic union with the tasty integers rial architectural elements and decor, that dominates, despite the simplicity.

The length of the side of the castle is 43 metres, the height of the powerful 7-storey Tower Defense in the northern corner is 37 m.

A meter wide gallery with defense tilt around the whole castle was renovated in the first half of the 1980. They were the defenders of one wing to another with ease while watching or defend. The gate of the castle had to be defended most, we see a 2-floor building or port monitor Oriel alongside Tower Defense. On the first floor there is the lifting mechanism of the portcullis, the openings of the upper floor tiles, hot tar or water was thrown at the enemies or shooting arrows. This defense was restored on the basis of analogy, the only original elements are dolomite pillars that allow the portcullis.

In 1876 the arms of Saare-Laane (Oesel Wiek) diocese with the central figure of an eagle, was placed above the gate. Hence the German name Arens Burg, which means the castle of an eagle.

Kuressaare overview

Entering the gate we step into the port, where a gun from the year 1803 is exhibited. There are openings in the wall next door -- could create a horizontal beams in the entrance and exit safely. We see such openings in the wall of the bishop of the bedroom. A vase carved and decorated with motifs of the medieval baptismal fonts adorns nearly square courtyard.