KURESSAARE Authors: Marianne- Liis Käärid and Marju Lahtein

Location

General Facts o Territory: 15 km² o Population: (40.7% of the population of Saaremaa) o Population composition: 98% Estonians, 2% Russians o Yearly precipitation: 550 mm o Yearly hours with the sun: 1,800 h

History o Oesel-Wick bishopric castle first mentioned. o 1563, 8 May - Kuressaare obtained the freedom of a town (Rigas bylaws). o according to the Brömsebro Peace Treaty Saaremaa became a Swedish area. o 1710, 15 Sept - the castle garrison,devastated by plague, surrendered. A long-term crisis in the town development followed under the Russian rule. o Estonian Society of Kuressaare was founded. o 1990, 1 Oct - Kuressaare became the first municipal town in Estonia.

Flag and Coat-of-arms

Sightseeing o Kuressaare Episcopal Castle - The castle was built in the late 14th century. The basic plan of the building is a square with sides 43 metres. o The Town Hall - The Town Hall was completed in Today the Town Hall Gallery exhibits art. The Tourist Information Office is also situated in the Town Hall. o The Town Park –It’s territory is about 17 hectars. There are about 80 species of trees and bushes growing in the park. o The Weighhouse - The Weighhouse stands at the central square. It was built in 1666 to keep the public scales in there, while the central square served as the market place.

Local Traditions o Kuressaare Opera Days - The only opera days in Estonia, which have been held since 1999 o Kuressaare Summer Music o Chamber Music Days o Kuressaare Maritime Days o Festival of Mini - Theatres

Education o There are 5 schools in Kuressaare: Saaremaa co.-Ed. Gymnasium, Kuressaare Gymnasium, Kuressaare Vanalinna School, Kuressaare Elementary School and Kuressaare Adult Gymnasium.

Entertainment o Nightclubs: Club Privilege and Club Diva. o Cinema: Club Diva. o Theatre: Kuressaare Town Theatre. o Sports: 3 tennis courts, 1 golf court, 2 bowling alleys. o SPAs: 5 SPAs including 1 in the middle of the city.

Sports o Football: FC Kuressaare o Basketball: Kuressaare SK Vesse o Tennis: tennis club Sinnet