Page 127 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

EASTERN EST ONIA  125

was the site of an Estonian F R Kreutzwald (1803–82)
stronghold until the 12th
century. Adjacent to the church One of Estonia’s best-loved writers, Friedrich
is an old wooden school dating Reinhold Kreutzwald is revered as one of
from 1888 which has some the most pivotal figures in the National
beautiful wooden carvings and Awakening of the 19th century. The
sculptures on its exterior. enormous body of literature created by
Opposite the church is a monu- him in the Estonian language still instils a
strong sense of identity and confidence
ment honouring the Estonians among patriotic Estonians. Despite being
who lost their lives in the war of impoverished, he studied medicine at Tartu
indepen dence (1918–20). University, where he developed a passion-
ate interest in national folklore. He wrote Kreutzwald Memorial
many epics based on Estonian folklore, the Monument in Võru
p Suur Munamägi most celebrated of which is Kalevipoeg
(Son of Kalev). Published between 1857 and 1859, it was part
Road Map E2. Tel 786 7514. @ from fiction, part influenced by existing folk stories.
Võru. Open Apr–Aug: 10am–8pm
daily; Sep–Oct: 10am–5pm daily;
Nov–Mar: noon–3pm Sat & Sun. & a Vastseliina
- ∑ suurmunamagi.ee
Road Map E2. @ from Võru. * 620.
Situated just south of the ∑ vastseliina.ee
village of Haanja, Suur
Munamägi (Great Egg Hill) The small town of Vastseliina is
is the highest point in the visited mainly for the 14th-
Baltic States. At a mere 318 m century castle located 4 km
(1,043 ft) above sea level, it (2 miles) east of it. The castle
gives an idea of how flat the was originally a border strong-
Baltic region is. However, the hold built by the Germans as a
surrounding landscape of defence against the Russians. It
farmsteads, forests and hills became the site of a miracle in
is breathtaking enough to 1353, when a cross was seen
merit a trip to the top of the suspended in the middle of the Well-preserved wooden house on Jüri
hill. On clear days, it is possible castle’s chapel altar. The incident Street in Võru
to see all the way to Russia was reported by the Bishop of
and Latvia. Rīga to Pope Innocent VI and s Võru
At the peak, there is an the castle sub sequently became Road Map E2. * 14,000. @
elegant observation tower a place of pilgrimage. In 1702, n Jüri 12, 782 1881. _ Võru Folklore
which was built in 1939 and the castle was completely Festival (mid-Jul). ∑ voru.ee
renovated to include the glass- destroyed during the Northern
fronted Suur Munamägi Tower War (1700–21), but the ruins are Situated in the centre of the
Café (see p319) and a lift. a vivid reminder of this once southeast corner of Estonia,
Delightfully quirky wooden fiercely contested area. Võru is a good base for explor-
carvings, which peer down from In Vana-Vastseliina, at the foot ing the surrounding region.
the trees, can be seen while of the castle hill, Piiri Tavern – The town is best known for its
walk ing up the steep path to first mentioned in 1695 – still impressive 18th-century
the top of the forested hill. serves food. wooden architecture.
Võru’s main sight is the
Kreutzwald Memorial Museum,
the former house of writer
F R Kreutzwald, who had a
medi cal practice in the town.
The sandy shores of Lake
Tamula almost reach the town
centre and are perfect for walks.
Environs
Obinitsa, 30 km (19 miles) east
of Võru, is the largest village of
the Setu community.
E Kreutzwald Memorial
Museum
Open Apr–Sep: 10am–6pm Wed–Sun;
View from the observation tower, Suur Munamägi Oct–Mar: 10am–5pm Wed–Sun. &

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