Rakvere is the fifth largest city in Estonia, the sixth largest city in Estonia and the capital of Lääne-Viru County. A small town is located in the north of the country, on the banks of the Kiyula River, almost a hundred kilometers from Tallinn. Despite its small size, there is a lot to see here.
Rakvere attracts tourists with numerous historical and architectural monuments, old houses and temples, its own theater, as well as buildings in the style of Estonian functionalism.
When is the best time to visit the city?
Rakvere (Estonia) is located in the temperate zone, transitional from continental to maritime. It is characterized by cool summers and warm winters. In July, the average temperature does not rise above +17 °C, and in February it very rarely drops below -5 °C. It is believed that it is more interesting to come to Rakvere in summer, but the weather here is also comfortable for tourism in other seasons.
Sights of Rakvere
Memorable places of this Estonian town are largely connected with its medieval history. This is an ancient castle, and a Lutheran church, andnarrow streets with preserved old buildings. In addition, museums and city parks are important modern tourist sites. We will introduce you to some of them in this short review.
Tarvas
And we will begin our acquaintance with the city from its symbol - a sculpture installed on the Vallimägi hill. The sculpture of a huge tour, called Tarvas, appeared in Rakvere in 2002. The author of the project was a local sculptor - Tauno Kangro. The dimensions of the monument are impressive: it is seven meters long and four meters high. It is interesting that it was made on the initiative of the townspeople who became the sponsors of the monument. The names of all those who contributed to the creation of the monument are carved on its stone pedestal.
Ancient castle
We continue to explore the sights of Rakvere. The locals are proud of the medieval castle that rises on Vallimägi hill. Until 1558, the Livonian Order was its owner. Then he replaced several rulers, each of whom made his own changes to the architecture of the building. The castle was badly damaged during the war between the Poles and the Swedes (1602-1605). During this period, it lost its defensive significance, since it took a lot of time and money to restore it.
Today the castle is a museum complex. Visitors can see expositions that are dedicated to the history of the settlement, early firearms. The restorers were able to create a medieval atmosphere here. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by controllers dressed in period costumes. ATthe castle has many different workshops where you can not only touch everything, but also try one of the crafts.
In the dark dungeon of the castle there is a room of fear, which is divided into three sections. The first contains a torture room with various tools for crushing, cauterizing and stretching the human body. Then visitors can get into the crypt with the "rotten dead". In the last hall there is hell, where the floor vibrates, howls and other chilling sounds are heard. Appropriate lighting helps to emphasize the overall atmosphere of the room.
Estonian Police Museum
There are several museums in the city, but first of all we recommend you to visit this particular one, because you cannot miss such a landmark in Rakvere. It was decided to create it by police officers who turned to museum workers for help. The importance and complexity of the work of the police here decided to present in a playful way. Adults and young visitors are offered to change into law enforcement uniforms, make an identikit, take fingerprints, find important evidence and detect counterfeit money. Moreover, here you can try on the role of a criminal.
The museum exposition is interactive. Here, visitors will be told about the history of the country's law enforcement agencies. We are sure that such an excursion will be interesting for both children and adults.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Cult sights of Rakvere will also interest many tourists. There are three temples in the city. recognizable symbolThe city is the Lutheran church, which is the tallest building in the county.
Church of the Holy Trinity
This church was built in the Middle Ages and was renovated and rebuilt in the 18th century. The building has a high tower, the spire of which is visible from all over the city. The interior of the shrine impresses with its carved elements, which were made by famous Estonian baroque masters.
The temple attracts tourists with an old altar, which differs significantly from similar structures in its originality. It is completely made of natural wood.
Church of the Nativity of the Virgin
And another Rekvere church in Estonia. It is known for the fact that the relics of St. Sergius of Rakveresky. Interestingly, these are the only relics in the country on display for visitors.
Monument to Arvo Pärt
The famous Soviet and Estonian composer lived in Rakvere as a child. The monument to the great countryman is installed on the central square of the city. The sculpture depicts a boy standing next to a bicycle. He stopped to listen to the enchanting music coming from the loudspeaker. The monument was unveiled on the composer's 75th birthday (2010).
Paul Mänd and Seakül Simson, the authors of the monument, not only perpetuated the memory of their compatriot, but also tried to convey the idea that an outstanding cultural figure can grow out of every child. Every day, at noon sharp, Kyrie sounds on the tower of the Lutheran church - a stunning bell ringing written byArvo Pärtom.
