Vastseliina Castle Ruins

Vastseliina, Estonia

The Vastseliina Castle was a castle of the Livonian Order, Bishopric of Dorpat. It was constructed in 1342 by the Landmeister Burkhard von Dreileben as part of the border fortifications of Old Livonia against Novgorod, Pskov and later Moscow. In the Middle Ages, Vastseliina Castle was well known in the Catholic world as a popular destination for pilgrims. They worshipped the holy cross in the castle chapel and a visit to the chapel gave them sanctification for 40 days – it was first validated by Pope Innocentius VI in 1354.

The castle met its end during the Great Northern War when it was demolished by Russian troops (1702). Today the ruins are open to the public.

Reference: Wikipedia, VisitEstonia

Comments

Your name

Website (optional)


Address

Vastseliina-Meremäe-Kliima, Vastseliina, Estonia
See all sites in Vastseliina

Details

Founded: 1342
Category: Ruins in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)

More Information

www.vastseliina.ee
en.wikipedia.org
www.visitestonia.com
www.7is7.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Izborsk Fortress (29,8 km)
Pskov-Caves Monastery (17,5 km)
Põlva Church (40,3 km)
Rõuge Church (26,4 km)
St. Catherine's Church (25,4 km)
Räpina Manor (41,1 km)
Võry Orthodox Church (25,2 km)
Aluksne Castle Ruins (38,3 km)
Värska Orthodox Church (30 km)

User Reviews

Heiki Tomann (2 years ago)
From middle ages the castle has been a popular destination for many pilgrims and sinners. At present there is Medieval Theme Park witch is open to the public in the summertime. Park consists Pilgrim House, little chapel and the Piiri Tavern. For hikers there are two options. Short hiking trail (3km) takes you into manor park. Long hiking trail (15km) leads you along Piusa River shores. Both starts and ends near Castle.
Johan Skott (2 years ago)
It was under construction when we were there. Not much to see, but cool history
K Emm (2 years ago)
Interesting ruined castle with a nice museum. The museum has some artifacts found on the grounds. The castle itself has been through multiple captures. Worth a visit if in the area.
Ülle Puustusmaa (2 years ago)
Great site and interesting exposition, must visit if in South Estonia.
Kaido Kurrikoff (3 years ago)
Very exotic and wild place, the river that surrounds almost the whole castle (ruins) the remains of the ancient walls, the slopes - it all somehow paints a picture of how life could have been several hundred years ago.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Most beautiful castles in Lithuania
Photo from Flickr, copyright Makser

Historic Site of the week

Derbent Fortress

Derbent is the southernmost city in Russia, occupying the narrow gateway between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains connecting the Eurasian steppes to the north and the Iranian Plateau to the south. Derbent claims to be the oldest city in Russia with historical documentation dating to the 8th century BCE. Due to its strategic location, over the course of history, the city changed ownership many times, particularly among the Persian, Arab, Mongol, Timurid, Shirvan and Iranian kingdoms.

Derbent has archaeological structures over 5,000 years old. As a result of this geographic peculiarity, the city developed between two walls, stretching from the mountains to the sea. These fortifications were continuously employed for a millennium and a half, longer than any other extant fortress in the world.

A traditionally and historically Iranian city, the first intensive settlement in the Derbent area dates from the 8th century BC. The site was intermittently controlled by the Persian monarchs, starting from the 6th century BC. Until the 4th century AD, it was part of Caucasian Albania which was a satrap of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. In the 5th century Derbent functioned as a border fortress and the seat of Sassanid Persians. Because of its strategic position on the northern branch of the Silk Route, the fortress was contested by the Khazars in the course of the Khazar-Arab Wars. In 654, Derbent was captured by the Arabs.

The Sassanid fortress does not exist any more, as the famous Derbent fortress as it stands today was built from the 12th century onward. Derbent became a strong military outpost and harbour of the Sassanid empire. During the 5th and 6th centuries, Derbent also became an important center for spreading the Christian faith in the Caucasus.

The site continued to be of great strategic importance until the 19th century. Today the fortifications consist of two parallel defence walls and Naryn-Kala Citadel. The walls are 3.6km long, stretching from the sea up to the mountains. They were built from stone and had 73 defence towers. 9 out of the 14 original gates remain.

In Naryn-Kala Citadel most of the old buildings, including a palace and a church, are now in ruins. It also holds baths and one of the oldest mosques in the former USSR.

In 2003, UNESCO included the old part of Derbent with traditional buildings in the World Heritage List.

Map Top Sights Tags Historical Periods City Guides About Us Sign Up Upload new site
© 2020 SpottingHistory.com. All rights reserved.