Haapsalu Castle

Haapsalu Castle is an episcopal castle with a cathedral located in the centre of Haapsalu in western Estonia. The castle was founded in the XIII century as the center of the Ezel-Vic bishopric and until the XVII century was used as a defensive structure. According to legend, during the August full moon, the image of the White Lady appears on the inner wall of the chapel.

Construction, expansion and reconstruction of the castle continued for several centuries, and the architecture changed depending on the development of weapons. Today, the area of the castle exceeds 30 thousand square meters, the thickness of its walls from 1.2 to 1.8 meters. The maximum height of the walls is 15 meters. In the western part of the castle there is a 29-meter watchtower of the early XIII century, which was later used as a bell tower.

Now on the territory of the castle opened a functioning church, museum and cafe. The museum is especially interesting – there is a unique collection of medieval weapons and ammunition. Cultural events are constantly held on the territory of the castle: the festival of the White Lady, concerts and theatrical performances.