Vääna Manor, Vääna, Estonia

The oldest recorded mention of the place (Feyena) has been dated to 1325. At this time, there was a fortified manor or a castle at the site, the remains of which were reconstructed and expanded in a romantic fashion during the 19th century but are still visible in the manor park.

The present manor house was commissioned by the Baltic German von Stackelberg family and built 1784-1797. It was designed by an anonymous Italian architect in latebaroque style. The wings of the long main house have circular pavilions with preserved decorated vaulted roofs, where formerly the family displayed their art collection, which reputedly held works by Hans Holbein, Nicolas Poussin, Claude Lorrain and Antoine Watteau . The main building also showcases some preserved architectural details, notably two painted ceilings as well as further, albeit later, architectural details.

The most famous resident of the manor house was the archaeologist Otto Magnus von Stackelberg who grew up there. Nowadays the manor houses an elementary school (est. 1855), a public library and a public Internet point of access.

References:

Wikipedia

Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.

I. S. (6 months ago)
Amazing Monor, beautiful history, great guide, lovely cafe and magnetic aura. Visited during Forgotten Manor’s days.

Kalev Elken (13 months ago)
Was disappointed that no dogs allowed outside in the park.

Rene Mitt (23 months ago)
Very Fresh and taste

Olger Oeselg (2 years ago)
Very nice manor that is school building now, small park. Can park car and have small walk or picnic on weekends.

Rauno Salumets (3 years ago)
Nice !

Vääna Manor

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