Transcript KURESSAARE

KURESSAARE
Authors: Marianne- Liis Käärid
and Marju Lahtein
Location
General Facts
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Territory: 15 km²
Population: 15 420 (40.7% of the
population of Saaremaa)
Population composition: 98% Estonians,
2% Russians
Yearly precipitation: 550 mm
Yearly hours with the sun: 1,800 h
History
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1381 - Oesel-Wick bishopric castle first mentioned.
1563, 8 May - Kuressaare obtained the freedom of a town
(Rigas bylaws).
1645 - according to the Brömsebro Peace Treaty
Saaremaa became a Swedish area.
1710, 15 Sept - the castle garrison,devastated by
plague, surrendered. A long-term crisis in the town
development followed under the Russian rule.
1886 - Estonian Society of Kuressaare was founded.
1990, 1 Oct - Kuressaare became the first municipal
town in Estonia.
Flag and Coat-of-arms
Sightseeing
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Kuressaare Episcopal Castle - The castle was built in the late
14th century. The basic plan of the building is a square with
sides 43 metres.
The Town Hall - The Town Hall was completed in 1670.
Today the Town Hall Gallery exhibits art. The Tourist
Information Office is also situated in the Town Hall.
The Town Park –It’s territory is about 17 hectars. There are
about 80 species of trees and bushes growing in the park.
The Weighhouse - The Weighhouse stands at the central
square. It was built in 1666 to keep the public scales in there,
while the central square served as the market place.
Local Traditions
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Kuressaare Opera Days - The only opera
days in Estonia, which have been held
since 1999
Kuressaare Summer Music
Chamber Music Days
Kuressaare Maritime Days
Festival of Mini - Theatres
Education
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There are 5 schools in Kuressaare:
Saaremaa co.-Ed. Gymnasium,
Kuressaare Gymnasium, Kuressaare
Vanalinna School, Kuressaare Elementary
School and Kuressaare Adult Gymnasium.
Entertainment
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Nightclubs: Club Privilege and Club
Diva.
Cinema: Club Diva.
Theatre: Kuressaare Town Theatre.
Sports: 3 tennis courts, 1 golf court, 2
bowling alleys.
SPAs: 5 SPAs including 1 in the middle
of the city.
Sports
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Football: FC Kuressaare
Basketball: Kuressaare SK Vesse
Tennis: tennis club Sinnet