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Kuressaare city

Kuressaare, Estonia

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Kuressaare city
© Nordicstocks / Adobe Stock

Kuressaare is on Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa, and is the administrative centre of a county and a municipality. Kuressaare is the only city on Saaremaa; its charter conferring city status, modelled on that used in Riga, was promulgated by Duke Magnus in 1563, when the city was known as Arensburg. Kuressaare city centre was overhauled in summer 2019. The city is home to many historic buildings, including Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, which dates from the 14th century. Kuressaare also has an airport connecting it to Tallinn. The most popular means of travelling to Saaremaa from the mainland is by ferry.

Examples of projects and initiatives supported by the EU

Reconstruction of the psychiatry department of SA Kuressaare Hospital, acquisition of magnetic resonance tomography and construction of the corresponding premises

The Estonian State allocated EUR 1 million of the aid it received from the European Union to reconstruct the psychiatric wing of Kuressaare Hospital and purchase a magnetic resonance tomography machine that will help to improve diagnostic tools. Additionally, in-patient therapy in the unit is being updated and will provide the spaces needed for the outpatient psychiatric unit and the children’s mental health service.

Latvian - Estonian Common Military Heritage Tourism Product

The aim of the Estonian and Latvian military history and heritage project is to bring more visitors to the area. To that end, a tourist attraction introducing the military history and heritage of the area was established, combining new and existing tourism destinations in Estonia and Latvia to be marketed to domestic and foreign tourists. At the same time, 36 objects introducing military history are being enhanced as part of the project.

Construction of Kuressaare primary health centre

European Union funds contributed to the establishment of a primary care centre; located next to Kuressaare hospital, it serves the entire population of Saaremaa. A second treatment centre was opened in Leisi village, where offices in the GP surgery were refurbished. This significantly improved access to primary health care for the people living in Saaremaa county.

Integrated learning at Kuressaare Gymnasium

Kuressaare High School led the integrated learning project supported by the European Social Fund in 2020; during the project, teachers were trained, thriving schools and libraries were visited, teaching materials were worked through and school learning plans were drawn up.

Reaction WOW! Centre – Illicit World in Kuressaare, Saaremaa

The European Regional Development Fund has contributed funds to help to establish the Kuressaare Wow! experiences centre. The centre offers a visitor experience unique to the Baltic and Nordic countries for the whole family, attracting an estimated figure of around 80 000 visitors in one year and contributing to the success of other local businesses.

Further information
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