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These picturesque ruins of Vastseliina castle are situated in southeast Estonia. Located on the eastern border of medieval Livonia it was part of a belt of border fortresses built in the 13th and 14th century by the Livonian order to protect their territory against the Russians. Construction of Vastseliina castle started in 1342. In 1353 it is reported that a cross was seen standing without any support on the castle's chapel altar, making the castle a destination for pilgrims during the next few centuries.
The first time we visited the castle was in 1997, it was somewhat difficult to find, especially because the castle was named Vahtseliina castle at the time, while there is also a town called Vastseliina (spot the difference) in the neighborhood, where, to our desperation, it was impossible to find anything looking like a castle in ruins! Apparently we weren't the only ones to be confused so Vahtseliina has since been renamed to Vana-Vastseliina (meaning Old-Vastseliina)!
When we finally found Vahtseliina castle in 1997 it was a beautiful place, there was not another human being around and storks were peacefully perched on top of the castle walls. In 2007, the now renamed Vastseliina castle, was still not overrun by visitors but we were no longer alone. Though storks may still rest on the walls we did not see them this time. However it still remains a beautiful place to visit.
A few things have changed, trees no longer grow inside the ruins and attempts are made to shore up and restore one of the towers.
Copyright Otto de Voogd 1997 & 2007
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