Poltsamaa's stone fortress was constructed on the banks of the river in 1272. Between 1570 and 1578 it was the residence of Livonia's King Magnus. Repeatedly pillages, the castle was rebuilt by Woldemar Johann von Lauw in the 18th century as a grand rococo-style palace. The castle, and the church built into its cannon tower, burnt down in 1941. The church was restored by 1952, and the castle ruins came under preservation during the 1970s.Did you know...?- The forecourt of the castle hosts open air events- The round courtyard holds a tourist information point and the Poltsamaa Museum; a wine cellar with a food museum; the Estonian Press Museum; the pART Gallery; clay, handicraft and other workshops; and the castle's restaurant.