Põltsamaa

Põltsamaa is a town of 3,900 people (2020) in South Estonia. Põltsamaa is the centre of Estonian winery and wine production. The place features the falling apart castle, an art gallery, the tourism information centre, a wine cellar for tasting, and the St. Nicholas Church, all within a square of 200 m.

Understand
Põltsamaa is a garden settlement, mainly consisting of one- and two-story small houses. Up to five-story apartment buildings have been built around the ring road, the remaining groups of apartment buildings are located on the outskirts of the city and do not significantly affect the overall picture. As a result of haphazard development, there is no urban density or distinct centre.

History
The first records about Põltsamaa date back to 1234. From 1570to 1578, Põltsamaa was the capital of the Kingdom of Livonia. Duke Magnus resided there. In the second half of the 18th century, Põltsamaa became the center of the enlightenment movement in Northern Livonia. In the second half of the 19th century, Põltsamaa was one of the centers of the national revival: the Estonian Alexander School was founded there and the first blue-black-white flag was sewn, which was later blessed in Otepää. During the Second World War, approximately 75% of the city's buildings were destroyed.

Get in
Bus from Tartu to Põltsamaa: €4 (2017).

The nearest railway stations are located in Võhma (25 km) and Jõgeval.

Põltsamaa is at the intersection of the Tallinn-Tartu and Võhma - Mustvee highways. Põltsamaa is 30 km from Jõgeva, 127 km from Tallinn and 59 km from Tartu.

Drink
The typical Põltsamaa wine is similar to port wine, with a stronger smell of alcohol but less of it (about 14%).