Taagepera

Taagepera ( German Wagenküll ) is a village ( küla ) in the Estonian Valga County. It has 127 inhabitants (1 January 2007). Taagepera administratively belongs to the rural community of helmets.

Location

Taagepera is located on the upper reaches of the river Õhne. The place was first mentioned in 1420 as Wafencul documented and later as Waagenkül. Today Estonian name of the place derives from the German Baltic nobility Stackelberg, where the estate of 1674 belonged until 1796. The manor Taagepera was probably founded before the Livonian War.

Taagepera Castle

Famous Taagepera is mainly for his castle-like mansion in Art Nouveau style, which also contains numerous late-romantic elements. The imposing mansion stands on a hill with a wide view field. It was built in 1907-1912 by the architect of Riga Otto Wildau ( 1873-1942 ). With its 40 meter high tower is reminiscent of a medieval castle building. The asymmetry is strongly emphasized in the main building. The weather vane on the tower a half moon and blood drops recall the coat of arms of the family of Stryk.

The castle has 75 rooms, which all have different wallpapers. They impress by partial huge fireplaces. The outbuildings such as the manager's house from the late 18th century have been renovated.

From 1819 to 1919 the manor was owned by the family of Stry ( c ) k before the Estonian government expropriated it. From 1922, a sanatorium for lung patients was housed in the mansion. Today, the mansion is back in private ownership and used as luxurious hotel and conference center.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Jaak Aab, politicians