Ruins of the Vastseliina Episcopal Castle

Ruins of the Vastseliina Episcopal Castle

PIIRI KÕRTS, Vana-Vastseliina küla, Võru vald, Võru maakond

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Vastseliina Episcopal Castle was built in 1342 on the Bishop of Tartu's land and it became one of the most powerful fortifications in Old Livonia. It's also one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering which are marked by a yellow National Geographic window. 

During the Middle Ages, the castle was well-known for the holy cross in its chapel and as a popular destination for pilgrims since a visit gave them indulgence for 1 year and 40 days as decreed by Pope Innocent VI. The castle was destroyed in the Great Northern War by the armies of Peter the Great.

Today, you can visit the castle tower, light a candle in the sacred place and enjoy night concerts on the territory of the castle.

Times and prices

01.01–31.12

Monday–sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Is open 01.06 - 31.08 24 hours

  • Adult:

    from

    4 €
  • Pensioner:

    from

    4 €
  • University student:

    from

    4 €
  • School student:

    from

    4 €
  • SHOW ALL PRICES
  • Exact price to be clarified by service provider.

    REQUEST INFORMATION
  • Adult:

    from

    4 €
  • Pensioner:

    from

    4 €
  • University student:

    from

    4 €
  • School student:

    from

    4 €
  • SHOW ALL PRICES
  • Exact price to be clarified by service provider.

    REQUEST INFORMATION

Features and amenities

  • Pets allowed

  • Food and drinks

  • Wheelchair access

Getting there

Drive from Võru along the Tallinn-Luhamaa highway (2, E263) for about 30 km, until you reach the crossroad in the village of Illi and then turn left towards the village of Vana-Vastseliina. Follow the signs for the Episcopal Castle (Piiskopilinnus).

Access

  • Signposted
  • Sealed access road
  • By excursion bus
  • By public transport
  • By car

Stops nearby

Bus: Vana-Vastseliina

Coordinates

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Richard M

Richard M

Explore this castle!

If you are in the Setomaa region, this interesting castle ruin is worth a visit. We enjoyed the interactive displays, staff in period costume, climbing a castle tower and watching the family of...

Ulle P

Ulle P

Amazing atmosphere in the middle of picturesque nature.

This place is remarkably beautiful and offers stunning views on the medieval castle and surrounding nature. Pope of Rome gave indulgence to all visitors of the castle chapel where once a miracle tool...

KwikS

KwikS

WRONG location on TripAdvisor App

Please don’t drive to the location using TripAdvisor app. It is not there. Go to the website of the castle you will find correct location there. It is about 15 min drive from TripAdvisor...

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Places nearby

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