Keila-Joa Park. Photo: Riigemetsa Majandamise Keskus RMK.

We focused on eight historical sites manifesting power on both sides of the Gulf of Finland. Their histories illustrate how domestic and foreign powers and political intrigues have shaped Estonia and Finland throughout centuries. All of them have also inspired an abundance of tales, legends and myths.

Project sites.
Neeruti Kalevipoek statue. Photo: A. Aasmaa.

The project sites in Finland included:

  • Kuusisto castle ruins – a medieval bishop’s palace (www.nationalparks.fi/kuusisto)
  • Rapola hill fort – the largest ancient hill fort of the country (www.nationalparks.fi/kuusisto)
  • Raseborg castle ruins – a medieval royal castle (www.nationalparks.fi/en/raseborg)
  • Vallisaari fortress – an island with magical nature and military history just outside of Helsinki (www.nationalparks.fi/vallisaari)

The project sites in Estonia included:

  • Keila-Joa park – a historical manor park with a beautiful river and a waterfall (www.loodusegakoos.ee)
  • Lõhavere fortress – a fortress named after the famous medieval chief Lembitu (www.loodusegakoos.ee)
  • Neeruti hill fort – a fort on hills formed by the national epic hero Kalevipoeg, according to local folklore (www.loodusegakoos.ee)
  • Varbola hill fort – the largest ancient hill fort of the country located on an old international trade route (www.loodusegakoos.ee)

Last updated 27 May 2020