Details
Founded: 14th centuryCategory: Religious sites in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)
User Reviews
The rural church of Kolga-Jaani was evidently built during the last quarter of the 14th century, under the direction of a master craftsman from Tallinn. It was damaged in the Great Northern War and left in ruins for a long period. The 45-meter high steeple was erected in the reconstruction in 1875. The most significant artefact inside the church is a cruficix made probably around the yer 1380.
Between 1890-1917, the man of culture and the great figure of the national awakening period, Villem Reiman (1861-1917), was the pastor of the Kolga-Jaani church and a monument was established in his honour in 1988. On August 16, 1925, a memorial monument was set up to the 17 who had perished during the Liberation War. The statue was destroyed on June 19, 1941 and restored by May 28, 1989.
Reference: Võrtsjärv Travel Guide
Sirmione castle was built near the end of the 12th century as part of a defensive network surrounding Verona. The castle was maintained and extended first as part of the Veronese protection against their rivals in Milan and later under the control of the Venetian inland empire. The massive fortress is totally surrounded by water and has an inner porch which houses a Roman and Medieval lapidary. From the drawbridge, a staircase leads to the walkways above the walls, providing a marvellous view of the harbour that once sheltered the Scaliger fleet. The doors were fitted with a variety of locking systems, including a drawbridge for horses, carriages and pedestrians, a metal grate and, more recently, double hinged doors. Venice conquered Sirmione in 1405, immediately adopting provisions to render the fortress even more secure, fortifying its outer walls and widening the harbour.
Thanks to its strategical geographical location as a border outpost, Sirmione became a crucial defence and control garrison for the ruling nobles, retaining this function until the 16th century, when its role was taken up by Peschiera del Garda.