Kihelkonna Church, Saaremaa, Estonia

The building of St. Michael’s church in Kihelkonna was probably started in the mid-13th century and completed between 1270-1290. In the early Middle Ages Kihelkonna was one of the most important centers in Saaremaa. It was situated on the road connecting the western part of Saaremaa with mainland Estonia. There was also a harbor of considerable importance here. Both the Bishop and the Livonian Order contributed to the construction of the church, which was begun in the middle of the 13th century. Initially, a fortified western tower, as wide as the nave, had been planned but its construction was interrupted, apparently in its early stages, by the revolt of 1260-1261.

Inside the church the altarpiece (1591) and the pulpit (1604) are among the oldest of their kind in Estonia. Also worthy of mention is the organ, which was made in 1805 by J.A. Stein. It was reconstructed in 1890 by F. Weisseborn from Jekabpils in Latvia.

South of the church is located a distinct bell tower - so-called campanile. This stone-made, free standing bell tower was built in 1638 and is the only one remaining in Estonia. The tradition of such bell towers became widespread in Estonia in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Reference: Saaremaa.ee

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Vahur Pohlak (3 years ago)

PEETER RÄNK (4 years ago)
Gates open, doors open and history can be explored. Very good.

Kristjan Puistaja (4 years ago)
We, as distant guests, were also allowed to the top of the tower, which had a very beautiful view.

Kalur (5 years ago)

Margus Kaerma (5 years ago)
Historical, beautiful, calm

Kihelkonna Church

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Trencín Castle