Haapsalu (Swedish & German: Hapsal) is a resort town on the west coast of Estonia. It has been well-known for centuries for its warm seawater, curative mud and peaceful atmosphere. Narrow streets with early twentieth century wooden houses bring you to the sea again and again. Haapsalu has been called the 'Nordic Venice' due to this plentitude of water.

The town dates back to 1279, when it was chartered and became the centre of the Saare-Lääne Bishopric, as it remained for the next 300 years. Buildings from those early days remain today, including the Episcopal castle which has the biggest single-nave cathedral in the Baltic states. Events Battle of Yamen. ... Bishopric of Oesel-Wiek (in Estonian Saare-Lääne) was a semi-independent principality in what is now Saare and Lääne counties of Estonia. ... Baltic states and the Baltic Sea The Baltic states or the Baltic countries is a term which nowadays refers to three countries in Northern Europe: Estonia Latvia Lithuania Prior to World War II, Finland was sometimes considered, particularly by the Soviet Union, a fourth Baltic state. ...

For many years, the sea mud has been claimed by locals to have a curative effect. A military doctor, Carl Abraham Hunnius, founded the first mud cure resort in 1825. News of the curative mud quickly reached the aristocracy of St. Petersburg. Ever since then, Haapsalu has been a popular summer destination where people from all around the world come for medical treatment. Today, there are three mud cure establishments in Haapsalu — varying in size and location. 1825 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and Petrograd (Петрогра́д, 1914–1924), is a city located in Northwestern Russia on the delta of the river Neva at the east end of the Gulf of Finland...

In the 19th century, Haapsalu became famous for its shawls — a delicate handicraft made by local women. The Land of Ilon Wikland (Wiklandia), a recreation centre for children is set to open this year. This world famous book illustrator has been involved with Haapsalu since her childhood. It is going to take some years to complete the project, but there is no doubt it will be a success. Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ilon Wikland (born 1930) is a Swedish artist and illustrator, born in Estonia, known best for her illustrations to various books by the author Astrid Lindgren, including the popular The Children of Noisy Village. ...

Culture

In august there takes place August Blues Festival. Original name: Augustibluus Blues music festival in Haapsalu. ...

External Links

• Official website (http://www.haapsalu.ee/)
• Town Heraldry (http://www.ngw.nl/int/est/haapsalu.htm)