Town in northeastern Estonia
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0 ee via Wikimedia Commons
Kiviõli is in East Estonia. The name of the town translates to "stone oil", in referral to the local oil shale deposits and the industry related to it.
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Vana tuhamägi
Old Koksovaya Mountain is completely covered with vegetation, so you will not immediately notice that this elevation is artificial. You can climb the mountain via a steep path that starts with a rusty iron staircase at the parking lot, or along a race track, which is longer but more comfortable. From the top of Vana-Tuhamägi, there is a beautiful view of the local landscape and the city with its huge factory. In good weather, the Gulf of Finland is also perfectly visible. The mountain is a centre of sports tourism all year round, hosting motor racing, cycling and winter sports events. From the side of the tourist center, a 2.5-km-long health trail goes around the mountain.
Uus tuhamägi
According to some estimates, the highest artificial mountain in the Baltics. Unlike the old one, the new Tuhamägi is not intended for tourists and is not so overgrown, but can be seen from afar already at the entrance to the city, being very close to the plant.
The legendary hero of the Estonian epic poetry fought somewhere in these local forests. There was a rumour that in the tomb of Kalevipoeg unimaginable treasures are hidden. So, cunning seekers turn over a lot of soil in the surrounding forests and thereby damaging the Iron Age burials. So, the actual grave is probably lost forever. Hence, on one of these places and a symbolic stone was.
Püha Klaara Kirik
A beautiful Catholic church, but by no means an old one, and it is open only during services that are held in Polish and Russian.
Jumalaema Kaitsmise Kirik
It was built in the 20th century as a Catholic church, but in 1940, when wooden prayer houses were taken away from the Orthodox and Lutherans, it began to be used by the Orthodox and Lutherans for worship. In 1999, the Lutheran community left the church, and it became fully Orthodox. On June 22, 1995 the church was consecrated by the Archbishop of Tallinn and All Estonia Cornelius.
Purtse vasalinnus
Unlike all other neighbourhoods, this castle really deserves your visit. Built in 1421, the manor was turned into a real castle in 1533. It belonged, besides others, to Henrik Fleming, Jacob von Thauve – who the castle, Berend von Tobe, and Jacob de la Gardi. The castle was burned and consequently rebuilt several times. During the Northern War, some of its towers were destroyed. Afterwards, it became property of the von Stackelbergs, who combined it with the Püssi manor. After Estonia's independence, the castle became public property, but was destroyed by the 1950s. Between 1987-1990, under the guidance of Madi Nappa, the architect of Inna Comoni and doctor of the University of Turku Willem Raam, the ancient building was fully restored. And in 1991, it was recognized as the best Estonian building.
For visiting there are two floors available with stone stairs and rather unremarkable interior. The atmospheric restaurant on the ground floor serves original dishes in a medieval style. Quite unexpectedly exquisite for such a remote location, and thus not inexpensive (€5-6 per soup, ~€15 for hot dishes). FB.
Maidla mõis
The village is also very old, first mentioned in 1241. However, the only evidence of it is the manor. Although, the first mentioning of the manor dates back to 1465, the present Baroque building was erected between 1764-1767 by the architect Djurshmidta (Durschmidt). Since 1925, it has been operated as a school. So, it is not worth to get inside. But take pictures from the outside unlimitedly – the building is very beautiful.
Erra mõis
This manor was built in 1547 and belonged first to the von Essen, and afterwards to the von Courcelles. In the 1980s and 1990s, the building was completely destroyed and looted. Now, only dull ruins remains.
Püssi mõis
The majestic manor is now also owned by the Luganuse School. It consists of two houses formerly for farm labourers, a court house, a barn and a distillery. In addition, there is a small museum in the manor, dedicated to the history of its educational background, which began in the 1920s.
Aidu veespordikeskus
The former shale quarry has been transformed into an active recreation centre on the water, which includes a rowing channel for paid canoeing, the only such site in Estonian, independent rowing and diving. Everything must be ordered in advance. Sometimes, there are rowing competitions here.
The furniture in the rooms is quite decent. There are showers, windows and balconies, from which you can see the Cossack mountains.
By car
The city is not on the main highway. From Tallinn, drive along highway 1, turn at the turn near the village of Sämi and go straight.
By bus
The easiest way to get to Kiviõli is by bus. Various buses from Tallinn, Kohtla-Järve, Jõhvi, Sillamäe or Narva stop daily at Kiviõli.
It is unlikely that you will need any additional transport at all when moving around Kiviõli, the city itself is small. You can walk from the Koksovy Gory to the center in 15-20 minutes.
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