Otepää Castle, Episcopal castle ruins on Fort Hill in Otepää, Estonia
Otepää Castle is a ruined stone fortress located on a hilltop, with visible foundations and structural remains from medieval construction techniques. The site reveals archaeological layers and building methods through exposed excavations that visitors can observe and explore.
A bishop constructed this brick fortress in 1224 following the crusaders' capture of the strategic hilltop from local tribes. The structure became an important administrative center that helped shape early stone architecture in the region.
The site represents one of Estonia's first brick buildings, marking the transition from wooden structures to stone fortifications in medieval Estonian architecture.
The ruins remain accessible year-round with no entrance fee required. Visitors should expect uneven ground conditions and exposed excavated areas, particularly after wet weather.
Archaeological excavations at the site uncovered evidence of one of Europe's earliest firearms, dating to the late 1300s. This discovery reveals that the fortress was acquainted with advanced weapon technology much earlier than commonly assumed.
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