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Founded: 14th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)
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The tower-fortress was built in the second half of the 14th century of local limestone. Tower-strongholds were built by vassals to protect roads and waterways and to protect themselves against peasant uprisings. Construction of such tower-strongholds increased after the failed St. George's Night uprising by peasants in 1343.
In 1986, the fortress was restored under the leadership of Vao sovkhoz. Exhibition on the I floor introduces the history of Vao Tower-Fortress and Manor, and the surrounding villages. The II floor is a medieval dwelling that includes the washing area (place for washing hands), and dansker (dry toilet). The current furnishing imitates the pristine appearance of the room. The windows are of beautiful stained glass. The staircase in the wall leading to the cellar adds mysticism to the place. The III floor is enlivened by paintings created by the artist E.Veermäe which depict people in medieval clothing.
References:The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.