Attractions in Rapla County

Commemorative benches in the courtyard of Rapla Central Library in honour of Andres Ehin (10.03.1940-10.12.2011), a writer whose hometown was Rapla.

18th century artists Gottlieb Welté and Gustav Adolf Hippius connect Estonia to such major cities as Mainz, Frankfurt, Vienna, Rome and St Petersburg. They are considered the pioneers of later high culture in Estonia. The frescoes at Lohu Manor are the work of Welté, who was also employed as an artist in the porcelain factory founded by Wodemar Johann von Lauw at Põltsamaa Castle. Hippius was an outstanding portrait artist, capturing the likes of composer Ludwig van Beethoven, explorer Adam Johann Krusenstern and a number of other celebrities. Both artists, who are associated with Järlepa, Vardi, Lohu and Ojasoo manors, are buried in Hageri cemetery.

The ‘Head of Rapla’ is in the heart of the city in front of the cultural centre. The sculpture was a gift to the city from the Estonian Royalist Party. Did you know…? *The sculpture was created by renowned Estonian sculptor Elo Liiv *Washing the ‘Head of Rapla’ is a popular event during the annual spring cultural programme – the mayor puts on their apron, whisks the shampoo into a foamy mass and polishes the sculpture until it is clean and shiny

This unique monument, made from dolomite from the Estonian island of Saaremaa, was consecrated on 30 September 1923 in remembrance of the 142 men from Rapla parish who died in World War I and the Estonian War of Independence. It was designed by Jaan Koort. The original monument was destroyed in 1940, but a new version was unveiled on 23 June 1989 produced by sculptor Tõnu Maarand. The monument is situated in the garden of the Maarja-Magdaleena church. Did you know…? * What remains of the original monument can be seen behind the church. * In front of the parsonage you will see a group of trees known as the ‘Priiuse oaks’, which were planted to mark the end of serfdom.