Virtsu Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Virtsu, Estonia
Virtsu Castle is a set of stone ruins standing on a small island off the Estonian coast. The remaining structures show thick defensive walls and the bases of cylindrical towers that reveal the fortress's original scale and design.
The castle was built around 1430 and guarded sea routes connecting Riga and Tallinn for roughly a century. Fighting between local powers and outside forces finally led to its destruction in 1535.
The castle served as a stronghold of the von Uexküll family, whose name is still remembered in regional history. The location on water made it a symbol of power over the surrounding lands and trade routes.
Access to the island is easier at low tide when water levels drop and more ground becomes walkable. Wear sturdy shoes and check the weather beforehand, as the terrain can be uneven and wet.
The fortress held out in 1533 against a siege force but could not withstand the stronger attack that came the next year. This short period of resistance remains largely forgotten in regional history.
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