Põltsamaa Castle

Põltsamaa, Estonia

The construction of Põltsamaa Castle was started in 1272. Between 1570 and 1578 it was the residence of Livonia's King Magnus. Repeatedly pillages, the castle was rebuilt by Woldemar Johann von Lauw in 1770 as a grand rococo-style palace. The castle, and the church built into its cannon tower, burnt down in 1941.

Põltsamaa St. Nicholas' Church was built from 1632 to 1633 on the site of earlier buildings. The nave was built on the 13th century gate buildings and the sanctuary on the 15th century cannon tower. The church was restored by 1952, and the castle ruins came under preservation during the 1970s.

Today the round courtyard holds a tourist information point and several museums including Põltsamaa Museum and a wine cellar with a food museum. There are also an art gallery, restaurant, handicraft and other workshops.

References: VisitEstonia, Aviastar.org

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Details

Founded: 1272
Category: Castles and fortifications in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)

More Information

www.visitestonia.com

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Chris Storey (14 months ago)
I wouldn't have gone too far out of our way to check this place out, but it was OK. The Museum is informative, albeit small. As with any historical monument, it is always under renovation, so there is quite a bit covered up. It felt more like a group of people trying to make a living via the shop, art and craft places, rather than a historical artefact. The church was interesting, but a bus load of tourists prevented us from enjoying and using it due to their tour guides' loud voice.
Yerlan Akhmetov (16 months ago)
Must visit place in Põltsamaa! Old loss which is currently under reconstruction, but you still can enter it and view.
Lembitu Ling (2 years ago)
Nice place. Excellent Põltsamaa Wine cellar :)
Tarmo Etti (2 years ago)
Great museum and winery?
Boris N (2 years ago)
Small but cozy castle. You should visit it, but add to your plan something else. For instance, additional visit to rosegarden or something like that.
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