Kuressaare is the capital of Saaremaa. The town, located at the Livonia Bay, has territory of about 15 sq.km and a population of about 15,000.
First written data 1424
The freedom of town 8 May 1563
Self-governing status 1 October 1990
Territory 15 km2
World Health Organisation European Healthy Cities Network member
Kuressaare obtained freedom of a town in 1563 has been called with different names throughout its existence. The historic German-like name, Arensburg, was replaced by Kuressaare in 1917. During the Soviet period in 1952-1988 it was called Kingissepa after the bolshevik Viktor Kingissepp who was born here.
Kuressaare was the first town in Estonia where the self-governing status was restored in October 1990. Today, Kuressaare is a safe and healthy town, open for international cooperation and communication and having eight twin-towns.
Population 15 170 (Jan.1 2008)
Distance from other bigger cities in Estonia:
From Tallinn 216km
From Tartu 330km
From Narva 429km
From Pärnu 152 km
From Viljandi 249km
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