Churches

The road from Saaremaa to Northern Estonia passed through Lääne County. In order to guard the roads and take care of the souls of the wayfarers, a number of chrches were built here, and the smallest parishes in Estonia emerged around them. Thus, on the way from Virtsu to Kirbla, there are four churches in a row. The master builders came to the area from both northern Germany and Scandinavia.

From the middle of the 19th century, a significant part of the population of Western Estonia converted to Othodoxy, hoping to improve their economic situation. Numerous Othodox churches were founded in Western Estonia, most of which are now in ruins. The only working Orthodox church in the region is located in Paadremaa and belongs to the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

Varbla church

Varbla church was first mentioned in 1638, but the church was probably already here in…

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Karuse church

One of the oldest churches in mainland Estonia is Karuse Church, which was built by…

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Lihula church

Bishop Albert of Riga’s wish was to make Lihula the seat of the Saare-Lääne diocese.…

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Mihkli church

The first records of Mihkli church date back to 1359. Construction of the church probably…

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Ridala church

Ridala church was originally built in 1265-70 near the former ancient city. Around 1500, a…

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Martna church

The earliest record of Martna church dates back to 1298. The current church was completed…

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Kullamaa church

Kullamaa church was built in the immediate vicinity of the former ancient fortress around 1300,…

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Hanila church

Hanila church was built after the completion of Karuse church. The purpose of the church…

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Kirbla church

Kirbla church is one of the smallest in Western Estonia, built around 1500. The tower…

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