"Capital City of Saaremaa Island" a Kuressaare Travel Page by jckim

Kuressaare developed on the shore of the Livonia Bay where ancient islanders had their stronghold and trading place. After the German-Danish conquests in the 1230’s the control of Riga’s bishop over the island began to strengthen. Near the bishopric castle, erected in the 14th cent. and still there today, the town developed. From 1559-1645, Saaremaa belonged to Denmark and Kuressaare obtained the freedom of a town on 8 May 1563.From 1645-1710, Saaremaa was under the Swedish crown and these years marked a rapid economic and social development of the town.From 1710-1918, Kuressaare and Saaremaa were a part of the Russian Empire. In 1710 Russian troops set the town on fire, leaving only 5 buildings in Kuressaare. On 1 October 1990, Kuressaare was the first town in Estonia to re-gain the status of a local authority and since then Kuressaare has again witnessed a rapid development. Kuressaare today, is a place where you can meet open minded islanders with a friendly sense of humour in the middle of urban culture.
( From City Web )