Alatskivi Manor, Alatskivi, Estonia

The Alatskivi Manor (Allatskiwwi in German) was first mentioned in 1601. In 1628 Swedish king Gustav Adolf II donated it as a gift to his secretary Johan Adler Salviusele. In 1642 the manor was further passed into the possession of Hans Dettermann Cronmann and in 1753 it was bought by Otto Heinrich von Stackelberg.

The present huge castle manor was designed by the land owner Arved von Nolcken. He had travelled in Scotland and fascinated to the Balmoral Castle. Von Nolcken wanted to build a copy of royal castle to Alatskivi. The new neo-Gothic main building was completed in 1885 and it was one of the most luxurious manor houses in Estonia.

At present, the building is owned by Alatskivi Community and being restored to serve as a museum and restaurant.

Reference: Visit Tartu

User Reviews

J G (2 years ago)
Really majestic and smart too. First this is beautiful everywhere: gardens, building, interior, even the parking with storks. First floor is a historical review of rooms on how people lived in this middle-of-nowhere castle. The basement is dedicated to handcraft and history boards that explain all about the castle. The pottery room is lead by Tanel Tell who teaches to kids how to make a bowl. Nice guy and ready to make visitors happy. 1st floor is dedicated to art (paintings and music) , the museum of Estonian composer Eduard Tubin, and digital used in the castle. It is impressive for its diversity and the manner it is displayed.

RK Geetha (2 years ago)
A majestic looking castle

Jaanika S (3 years ago)
Nicely renovated castle with museum, restaurant, concert hall and suites. Area around the castle is also beautiful and nice hiking trail near.

Elinor Toodo (3 years ago)
Really nicely renovated, beautiful historic place. Informative, also in English.

Laura Tomson (3 years ago)
Great food! Beautiful castle. Quiet and nice place.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Arnie Papp

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Klis Fortress is probably best known for its defense against the Ottoman invasion of Europe in the early 16th century. Croatian captain Petar Kružić led the defense of the fortress against a Turkish invasion and siege that lasted for more than two and a half decades. During this defense, as Kružić and his soldiers fought without allies against the Turks, the military faction of Uskoks was formed, which later became famous as an elite Croatian militant sect. Ultimately, the defenders were defeated and the fortress was occupied by the Ottomans in 1537. After more than a century under Ottoman rule, in 1669, Klis Fortress was besieged and seized by the Republic of Venice, thus moving the border between Christian and Muslim Europe further east and helping to contribute to the decline of the Ottoman Empire. The Venetians restored and enlarged the fortress, but it was taken by the Austrians after Napoleon extinguished the republic itself in 1797. Today, Klis Fortress contains a museum where visitors to this historic military structure can see an array of arms, armor, and traditional uniforms.

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