Helme Castle

Valgamaa, Estonia

Helme church parish was first mentioned in 1329 during a Lithuanian raid. Most of the neighbouring land was fiefed in the 15th–16th centuries. Livonian Order castle in Helme (Ordensburg Helmet) was probably built in the first half of the 14th century.

The site on a steep hill is belived to have been used as a stronghold earlier by Sackalians in the Ancient Estonia. By its ground plan the order castle was 120×60 m oval shaped structure, surrounded by two moats. There was a borough beside the castle in the Middle ages, it was mentioned until the 17th century. The castle was destroyed by the Swedes during the Russo-Swedish War in 1658. Nowadays only parts of the walls with high window holes have survived.

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Details

Founded: ca. 1330
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Viktoria (16 months ago)
The ruins of the Order's castle of Chelme on a steep hill. Not a bad place for a walk and for those who like to climb hills. A beautiful place surrounded by forest. There is also a cave nearby, quite deep, and a well with water about which there are legends. In good weather, you can walk along the trails in the forest.
Alan Bircs (20 months ago)
Nice place for hiking in dry weather. Dogs loved it.
Natalja (2 years ago)
Great place for a short and leisurely walk. In good weather, you can get good pictures. Nearby there is a cave, quite deep and there is also a source. The grounds are well-groomed and just a pleasure to walk around. It is worth making a stop here and taking a walk as a warm-up. There is also a swing that both adults and children can ride. We liked!
Олег Панов (2 years ago)
Эту достопримечательность мы увидели случайно, когда ехали из Пярну в Валгу, осмотрели быстро, только дома прочитали что же это за замок. Так что приводим текст из путеводителя. А ещё узнали, что если пройти дальше по парку, то там есть пещеры. Парковка бесплатная. Посетителей было мало. "..Развалины орденского замка в Хельме расположены на крутом холме около шоссе Пярну-Валга. Эта крепость была скорее всего построена в первой половине 14 века и сейчас от нее остались лишь высокие стены из бутового камня с пустыми провалами окон. Предание гласит, что для придания твердыне дополнительной прочности в стену замуровали юную девственницу. Стоит ли верить подобным легендам? Это уж кому как нравится! В разные периоды в крепости хозяйничали немцы, русские, литовцы и шведы. Последние и разрушили ее в 1658 году. Полезно знать: * В долине у холма журчит Докторский родник – считается, что его вода лечит от семи болезней.
Riho Sild (3 years ago)
Powerful stuff, beautiful nature, interesting history.
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