Kihelkonna Church, Saaremaa, Estonia

The building of St. Michael’s church in Kihelkonna was probably started in the mid-13th century and completed between 1270-1290. In the early Middle Ages Kihelkonna was one of the most important centers in Saaremaa. It was situated on the road connecting the western part of Saaremaa with mainland Estonia. There was also a harbor of considerable importance here. Both the Bishop and the Livonian Order contributed to the construction of the church, which was begun in the middle of the 13th century. Initially, a fortified western tower, as wide as the nave, had been planned but its construction was interrupted, apparently in its early stages, by the revolt of 1260-1261.

Inside the church the altarpiece (1591) and the pulpit (1604) are among the oldest of their kind in Estonia. Also worthy of mention is the organ, which was made in 1805 by J.A. Stein. It was reconstructed in 1890 by F. Weisseborn from Jekabpils in Latvia.

South of the church is located a distinct bell tower - so-called campanile. This stone-made, free standing bell tower was built in 1638 and is the only one remaining in Estonia. The tradition of such bell towers became widespread in Estonia in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Reference: Saaremaa.ee

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Ats Pärnaste (3 years ago)

Vahur Pohlak (4 years ago)

Maris Binde (5 years ago)

PEETER RÄNK (5 years ago)
Gates open, doors open and history can be explored. Very good.

Kristjan Puistaja (5 years ago)
We, as distant guests, were also allowed to the top of the tower, which had a very beautiful view.

Kihelkonna Church

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