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Founded: 1797Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Estonia
Historical period: Part of the Russian Empire (Estonia)
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The Town Hall is actually a whole quarter. Its oldest building, the merchant's house, was built in 1797. In 1806 it served as an accommodation for the Russian Czar Alexander I during his visit to Pärnu. Legend has, that in 1819, on the command of the Czar, the merchant's house was turned into the house of the commandant of the town.
Since 1839, the building was used as Town Hall. In 1911 it acquired an Art Nouveau style annex contained premises of the city council. As of year 2009, the Town Hall accommodated the Visitor Centre of Pärnu. Nikolai street is named after the St. Nicholas Church that used to be located here and was destroyed in World War II. A memorial stone has been placed opposite the Town Hall under the oak trees which are the only remains of the church yard. The chapel of St. Nicholas Church was home for a well known pilgrimage object, the Black Cross. The Black Cross is also depicted on the coat of arms of Pärnu.
Reference: Visit Pärnu
Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.