Haapsalu - Toomkirik

Haapsalu dates back to 1279, when it was chartered and became the centre of the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek, which it remained for the next 300 years until the seat was moved to the island of Saaremaa.

The impressive Bishop's Castle, situated on an artificial hill, surrounded by an 803 m long wall and preserved as a ruin, is still a reminder of this time.

The town lost its importance, but at the beginning of the 19th century the healing properties of Haapsalu's mud were discovered and the first sanatorium was founded in 1825. Haapsalu developed into a fashionable health resort. Even the Russian tsar's family Romanov appreciated the spa.

In 1228, shortly after the Christianisation of Estonia and Livonia, the bishopric of Ösel-Wiek got established. In 1234, William of Modena, as papal legate, defined its boundaries.

The first residence of the diocese was in the castle of Lihula until 1251. After disputes with the Livonian Order, the bishop's residence moved to Pärnu, but it was burnt down there by the Lithuanians. So Haapsalu was chosen as the new centre of the diocese.

The first phase of the construction of the castle was completed around 1300. In the 14th century, two square towers were added to the north side of the castle. In the 15th century, a cloister was built in the inner courtyard. At the end of the 15th century, the walls were further strengthened. The largest dimensions of the castle were more than three hectares.

The Toomkirik (Haapsalu Cathedral) is, with a floor area of 425 m², one of the largest single-nave churches in the Baltic States. When the church was built, the design regulations of the Cistercian Order were followed, as the first bishop Gottfried was abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Dünamünde before he became bishop here.

After Estonia became part of the Lutheran Swedish kingdom, the cathedral became a church with a Lutheran congregation. In 1625, the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf sold the town of Haapsalu, the castle and the nearby land property.

In 1688 the churchßs roof was destroyed by fire. The congregation could not afford the renovation and moved to the town church.

In 1886–1889, the church was renovated and rebuilt. The ruined Romanesque-style portal was replaced by the pseudo-Gothic "stepped portal".

The Soviet occupation in 1940 led to the closing of the church. The church was empty for years; for some time it was used for storing grain.