- Address: Vana-Vastseliina, 65254 Võrumaa, Estonia;
- Construction: 1273-1342;
- Website: vastseliina.ee;
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
One of the most interesting historical sites in Estonia is Neuhausen Castle. It is considered the former fortress of the bishop of the Livonian Order, now it functions as a museum. The castle is located in an extremely picturesque place, surrounded by a park. The ruins of the castle arouse the interest of many tourists, because, being in this place, one can feel the spirit of that time.
History of the castle
The construction of the castle was preceded by the foundation of a settlement on its territory, which occurred in 1273 on the ruins of the ancient town of Chudskoy Vastseliyna. Merit in this event belonged to the Derbent bishop. After the lapse of 60 years, the castle building was erected, the initiative belonged to the master of the Livonian Order, Burchard von Dreleben. This was preceded by a raid by the Pskovites to the southeastern part of Livland, which brought devastation and devastation to the settlement. Construction was completed in 1342.
Neuhausen Castle (Vastseliyna) was in a very interesting place - on the border of the settlements of Pskov and Livonian knights. Such a location was due to frequent raids. However, the castle was a strong defensive structure and successfully withstood the siege. So, in 1501, the governor, Daniel Schenia, for several days, subjected the castle to a siege, but all attempts were unsuccessful.
In 1558, the garrison attacked the castle in 60 soldiers, the siege lasted 6 weeks, the settlement was forced to surrender only because of hunger. Until 1582 the castle Neuhausen belonged to the Russian possessions, after which it belonged to the Poles, and later to the Swedes.
In 1655 Charles X took up the reconstruction of the structures, which were in a dilapidated state. In 1656, the castle was again conquered by the Russians, and in 1661 he again moved to the Swedes. At the beginning of the XVIII century, Neuhausen was finally conquered by the Russians, but at that time it was no longer a fortress.
Neuhausen Castle - description
Neuhausen Castle is located at a distance of 3 km from Vastseliyna in Võru County. It is surrounded by a huge park, near there are many mounds and remains of picturesque old churches.
From the very construction of the castle, only walls with loopholes and a tower have survived to this day. However, the castle refers to attractions that are of great interest to tourists who like to take a walk in its surroundings. By the ruins you can see that they were once built of red brick. Photos on the background of the remains of the castle look incredibly picturesque and memorable.
An interesting story connected with the castle tells about the miracle that happened in its walls. It testifies to the theory that Neuhausen was the center of the spread of Catholicism in the country. In 1353 there was a mysterious event. People who were in the castle heard the music and went to her sound. Once in the chapel, they found that the cross, which always occupied the owl's place on the wall, stood on the altar without any support. Rumors of a miracle spread far beyond the castle's territory, and pilgrims from Livonia and Germany began to come to him. Seeing the miracle, many were healed, for example, it helped the blind people to see, and those who could not hear before could hear the rumor.
How to get there?
Neuhausen Castle is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Võru , which can be reached by car or bus. If you go by car, then you should go on the highway 2.
Another option would be to take buses that run from the city of Tartu (the road will take about an hour) and from Tallinn (the journey will take about 4 hours).