Kuressaare has about 16, 000 inhabitants. The town was founded around the castle, which was built in the 14th century for the bishop of West Estonia and the Islands. Kuressaare received its town charter from Duke Magnusin in 1563. By then it was already Saaremaa's biggest port and trading centre. Places of Interest: The well preserved castle in the Late- Gothic style, with its earthworks and bastions dating from the 15th-18th century, is the major historic sight in Kuressaare. Many Baroque buildings that have survived until today were built in the 17th century. The best known of these are the Town Hall and the weighhouse. Other interesting buildings are the House of the Knighthood, the covered market, and St. Lawrence's and St. Nicholas' Churches. A newer building of interest is the Church of Holy Zion on the Tallinn road, which was built in 1993
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