| Name | Viljandi |
| Country | Estonia |
| Geography | Viljandimaa-untouched nature and centuries of cultural traditions meet here.Viljandi county is west of Lake Võrtsjärv,on the Sakala Upland.The top event of the year of the ancient Hanseatic town is the Folk Festival. |
| Description | Viljandi, the centre of Viljandi County is located in a picturesque place on the Sakala Uplands and is known as a Hansa town and for its long cultural traditions. Population of Viljandi town is about 22,000. Lake Viljandi, ruins of the Order Castle, suspension bridge, the valleys of ancient trees and Stair Hill and cultural events in the summer, prove a nice place of recreation both for the people of Viljandi and for the visitors.
The town and County of Viljandi are rich in unspoilt nature and centuries-long cultural traditions. Hanseatic Days have become one of the most important events in Viljandi. Trading, handicraft fairs, concerts and sports games create a unique Hanseatic atmosphere in the streets of the town. The Mulgi Fair aimed at introducing local products and enterprises is held at the same time. During the internationally acknowledged Folk Music Festival folk music is played in modern arrangement, too. The participants of Viljandi Early Music Festival are both local and international ensembles, musicians, singers, dancers and actors. The festival follows the customs and traditions of the Middle Ages.
The Town Hall
The Town Hall of Viljandi is one of the four old stone houses in the town. The building was constructed during 1768-1774 and it originally belonged to the lawyer and bürgermeister of justice, Johann Nicolaus Otto.
In 1783 the building was rented to house the new magistrate and the district revenue office. The building has a hipped roof. It belonged, like other stone houses, to late baroque style.
The clock tower was added to the building in 1838 by which time it was legally in the possession of town.
Viljandi Old Water Tower
Viljandi was one of the first towns in Estonia that in addition to the street lighting, paved streets for cars and pedestrians and sewerage owned also waterworks and a water tower.
Viljandi old water tower is a 30 metre-high building with a
red brick foot and a wooden octagon tank room. The water tank containing 300 m³ water was situated at the top of the tower.
Ruins of the Order Castle
Among the most spectacular architectural sights in Viljandi today are the ruins of a medieval Order castle. After having conquered ancient Sakala in a long and weary battle, the Order of the Brethren of the Sword (from 1237 onwards - the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order) started to rebuild the ancient wooden stronghold of Viljandi with stonework.
The Museum of Viljandi
The Museum of Viljandi is in one of the oldest stone houses of the town. The plan of the ground floor of the building is still mostly the same as it was when built in 1780. The mansard was added in the 80s of the 19th century. The house was built by Johann Joachim Schoeler, the pharmacist of Viljandi, as his dwelling house and chemist shop.
Until 1902 the building belonged to the Schoelers, afterwards it was rented out.
Suspension Bridge
The suspension bridge was mounted in the Castle Hills in 1931. The bridge had been given as a present to the town in 1928 by baron Karl von Mensenkampff from Tarvastu. The bridge had previously been on the moat in Tarvastu. There the Mensenkampffs used it to get to the chapel in the ruins of the stronghold there. The portals of the suspension bridge were made in Riga by “Felser & Co” in 1879. The bridge was reconstructed in 1995, its length is over 50 metres.
Trepimägi
Trepimägi was built in Viljandi at the turn of the century to improve the connection between the town and the lake. The biggest obstacle had been the moat, which was filled with the debris of the 1894 great fire. The ornamental tree plants were brought from the park near Maagümnaasium. The stairs have five flights and 158 steps. In 1991 the stairs were reconstructed.
Jaani (St John’s) Church
Jaani (St John’s) Church can be found between the medieval stronghold and the Town Wall. Its history begins with the building of a Franciscan monast |
