Attractions in Rapla County

First church in Hageri was built by Danish missioners in 1221. The awakening movement of 19th century increased the congregation and they needed a bigger building. Designed by Ervin Bernhard in new roman style but with strong orthodox architecture motifs the church was consecrated in 1892. The alternating usage of rubble stone and bricks makes Hageri church unique among Lutheran churches. Interesting to know: – Hageri church is the only church in Estonia protected by Saint Lambertus. – In the altar wall made by J. Rabe the parts of Ackermann altar wall were used. – In the church you can see ring crosses

The Velise church was built based on the design of Ervin Berhard. Stonemasons were brought in from the Lake Peipus area. The richness of decoration, which is characteristic of Russian architecture, was toned down to fit in with the Estonian culture through a skilled use of colour contrast between bricks and fieldstones. Did you know? *The Velise congregation was the first to be founded in what is now Rapla County during the period of active Russification. *15,000 roubles were allocated from the budget of the Russian empire for the construction of the church. *In 1889, the church was consecrated to John the Baptist. *The church sometimes hosts concerts. *The ‘swing island’ behind the church is an ideal place to picnic and relax.

This Rapla church is the only rural church with two towers in Estonia. The New Roman style building that was consecrated in 1901 was designed by Baltic German architect Rudolf von Engelhardt, and is one of the purest examples of this style in Estonia. Interesting facts: The pulpit and altar were produced in the workshops of Christian Ackermann and Quirinnius Rabe. The Rapla Church Music Festival got its start in the Rapla church. In the church you can listen to the organ produced by Estonia’s renowned organ master craftsmen, the brothers Kriisa. The limestone building can accommodate 3,000 people. In the churchyard you can see round crosses dating back to the 17th century and the monument to the War of Independence designed by Jaan Koort.

Juuru Church of St. Michael is dedicated to archangel Michael. A triple window, which is rare in Estonia, located on the eastern side of the choir room of the building from the 14th century has partly preserved. In the 19th century, the building got its appearance in neo-gothic style under the command of the architect Ervin Bernhard. The Baroque pulpit was made at Chr. Ackermann’s workshop and the altar was made in the workshop of J. Rabe. In the church garden, you can see five ring crosses made of limestone. One of them has the writing: ‘Sihn maggab Paia Jost üx auwus vannamees…’ (Here sleeps Paia Jost, one honest old man …). The south gate of the church garden has a sundial. Here is the burial place of the family of Admiral A. J. Krusenstern, a world traveller.

The first mention of the church dates back to 1339. The church of Vigala was built by the oldest noble family of Livonia – the Uexkülls. The old church was a slate building with high gables. The choir was vaulted and a free-standing tower was erected in the 15th century. Due to the suboptimal loamy ground, new towers had to be erected repeatedly. Good to know: ·Architect Alar Kotli designed the bell tower to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the battle of Vigala.  ·In the Church in Vigala, you can admire the Baroque pulpit and altar by C. Ackermann. ·The granite figures of a soldier and a farmer on the supportive pillars of the tower were hidden in the ground during the Soviet era. ·There is a slate cross with mysterious symbols in the church in Vigala.

Märjamaa Church boasting lofty walls was built in the 14thC as the mightiest fortress-church in western Estonia. Its main characteristics are asceticism, simplicity, utility and quality. Its exceptionally high and thick walls used to be capped with balustrades. Märjamaa Church is the only fully preserved medieval church in Rapla County. Interesting to know: The church is approached by a memorial gate commemorating the Estonian War of Independence. The churchyard contains a Maltese stone cross dating from 1720 and bearing the inscription “Mu Poig”. In terms of interior proportions, the church is considered to be the finest of all Estonian county churches. At the times of the Livonian War, the shelter above the arches saved locals from the troops of the Russian ruler Ivan the Terrible.