KURESSAAREKURESSAARE

AuthorsAuthors: Marianne- Liis Käärid : Marianne- Liis Käärid and Marju Lahteinand Marju Lahtein

LocationLocation

General FactsGeneral Facts

o Territory: Territory: 15 km²15 km²o Population: Population: 15 42015 420 (40.7% of the (40.7% of the

population of Saaremaa) population of Saaremaa) o Population composition:Population composition: 98% Estonians,  98% Estonians,

2% Russians2% Russianso Yearly precipitationYearly precipitation:: 550 mm550 mmo Yearly hours with the sunYearly hours with the sun:: 1,800 h1,800 h

HistoryHistory

o 13811381 - - Oesel-Wick bishopric castle first mentionedOesel-Wick bishopric castle first mentioned..o 1563,1563, 8 May8 May -- Kuressaare obtained the freedom of a town Kuressaare obtained the freedom of a town

(Rigas bylaws).(Rigas bylaws).o 16451645 - - according to the Brömsebro Peace Treaty according to the Brömsebro Peace Treaty

Saaremaa became a Swedish areaSaaremaa became a Swedish area..o 1710,1710, 15 Sep15 Septt - - the castle garrison,devastated by the castle garrison,devastated by

plague, surrendered. A long-term crisis in the town plague, surrendered. A long-term crisis in the town development followed under the Russian rule.development followed under the Russian rule.

o 18861886 - - Estonian Society of Kuressaare was founded.Estonian Society of Kuressaare was founded.o 1990,1990, 1 Oct1 Oct - - Kuressaare became the first municipal Kuressaare became the first municipal

town in Estonia.town in Estonia.

Flag and Coat-of-armsFlag and Coat-of-arms

SightseeingSightseeing

o Kuressaare Episcopal CastleKuressaare Episcopal Castle - - The castle was built in the late The castle was built in the late 14th century. The basic plan of the building is a square with 14th century. The basic plan of the building is a square with sides 43 metres.sides 43 metres.

o The Town HallThe Town Hall - - The Town Hall was completed in 1670. The Town Hall was completed in 1670. Today the Town Hall Gallery exhibits artToday the Town Hall Gallery exhibits art. . The Tourist The Tourist Information Office is also situated in the Town Hall.Information Office is also situated in the Town Hall.

o The Town ParkThe Town Park –It’s –It’s territory territory is aboutis about 17 hectars. There are 17 hectars. There are about 80 species of trees and bushes growing in the park.about 80 species of trees and bushes growing in the park.

o The WeighhouseThe Weighhouse - - The Weighhouse stands at the central The Weighhouse stands at the central squaresquare. It. It was built in 1666 to keep the public scales in there, was built in 1666 to keep the public scales in there, while the central square served as the market placewhile the central square served as the market place..

Local TraditionsLocal Traditions

o Kuressaare Opera DKuressaare Opera Daysays - The only opera - The only opera days in Estonia, which have been held days in Estonia, which have been held since 1999since 1999

o Kuressaare Summer MusicKuressaare Summer Musico Chamber Music DaysChamber Music Days o Kuressaare Maritime DaysKuressaare Maritime Days o Festival of Mini - TheatresFestival of Mini - Theatres

EducationEducation

o There are 5 schools in Kuressaare: There are 5 schools in Kuressaare: Saaremaa co.-Ed. Gymnasium, Saaremaa co.-Ed. Gymnasium, Kuressaare Gymnasium, Kuressaare Kuressaare Gymnasium, Kuressaare Vanalinna School, Kuressaare Elementary Vanalinna School, Kuressaare Elementary School and Kuressaare Adult Gymnasium.School and Kuressaare Adult Gymnasium.

EntertainmentEntertainment

o Nightclubs: Nightclubs: Club Privilege Club Privilege and Club and Club Diva.Diva.

o Cinema: Club Diva.Cinema: Club Diva.o Theatre: Kuressaare Town Theatre.Theatre: Kuressaare Town Theatre.o Sports: 3 tennis courts, 1 golf court, 2 Sports: 3 tennis courts, 1 golf court, 2

bowling alleys.bowling alleys.o SPAs: 5 SPAs including 1 in the middle SPAs: 5 SPAs including 1 in the middle

of the city.of the city.

                                              

SportsSports

o Football: FC Kuressaare Football: FC Kuressaare o Basketball: Kuressaare SK VesseBasketball: Kuressaare SK Vesseo Tennis: tennis club SinnetTennis: tennis club Sinnet