CASTLES JÕGEVA COUNTY

Põltsamaa Castle, founded by the Livonian Order in 1272, stands as a significant crusader fortress in eastern Estonia. The castle served as the residence of Livonia's King Magnus between 1570 and 1578. Between 1772 and 1773, the interior received elaborate rococo decorations by master stucco decorator Johann Michael Graff, whose work is considered among the most artistically accomplished rococo interiors in Estonia. Although heavily damaged in 1941, the castle tower has been restored with its unique historical dome, and visitors can climb to the viewing platform for panoramic city views. The gatehouse features a modern exhibition chronicling the castle's colourful history.

Laiuse Castle represents a pioneering achievement in Estonian military engineering, standing as the first fortress in Estonia designed specifically to accommodate firearms-based defence. Built by the Livonian Order with its oldest sections probably dating to the late 14th century and first mentioned in 1406, the castle underwent significant modifications including the addition of cannon towers in the mid-15th century. The fortress endured capture during the 1558 Livonian War when Russian forces badly damaged it, yet remained in use under subsequent Polish and Swedish rule. During the Great Northern War, Swedish King Charles XII established winter quarters here following the 1700–1701 Battle of Narva. The impressive stone walls and cannon tower remnants, situated along the road between Jõgeva and Mustvee, continue to captivate visitors exploring this landscape-defining medieval stronghold.