Kuressaare Live Cam

A town on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia



History

Kuressaare is a town located on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia. It has a rich history that spans over a thousand years. Here is an overview of its historical development:

Early Settlement and Viking Age (Pre-13th Century): Kuressaare's history dates back to ancient times when it was settled by the indigenous Estonians. The island of Saaremaa was also visited by Vikings, and it is believed that they had a presence in the area.

Teutonic Order and Livonian War (13th-16th Century): In the 13th century, the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a German military order, established a fortification on Saaremaa, including what would later become Kuressaare. This marked the beginning of German influence on the island. During the Livonian War (1558–1583), the area was contested between various powers, including the Livonian Order, Sweden, Denmark, and Russia. Ultimately, the island and the town of Kuressaare came under the control of the Swedish Empire.

Swedish and Russian Rule (17th-19th Century): Saaremaa remained under Swedish rule for several centuries, until the Great Northern War (1700-1721) when it was ceded to the Russian Empire. Under Russian rule, Kuressaare and the island of Saaremaa experienced a period of relative stability and development.