Märjamaa between Nature, History and Culture

The town of Märjamaa is located between Pärnu and Tallinn and within the Märjamaa Nature Reserve, established in 2019. Märjamaa combines its natural surroundings with medieval church architecture and transport history. The name Märjamaa was first mentioned in 1364 in connection with the priest Gerlacus de Castella (Gerlich von Costelen), who was responsible for the parish of Meriama at the time.

The land area of the Märjamaa Nature Reserve is 728.3 hectares. The town of Märjamaa began to develop in the second half of the 19th century. The RMK hiking route Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi / Penijõe–Varbola is associated with the karst areas of Märjamaa.

What history shapes the townscape?

A stone church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in Märjamaa in the first third of the 14th century. Märjamaa Church is a single-nave Gothic church with high vaults, a high triumphal arch and thick stone walls.

Märjamaa Church is considered the strongest fortified church in western Estonia. The Märjamaa railway station building at Jaama tn 5 is a listed architectural monument.

For those interested in culture, the route of exploration leads from the medieval sacred building through the listed building at Jaama tn 5 to the former Rapla–Virtsu railway.

Which cultural venues are part of Märjamaa?

Helk Cinema is located in the centre of Märjamaa town. The cinema has been housed in the current building since 1 January 1967.

Märjamaa Rahvamaja is the largest cultural centre in Märjamaa Parish. It is also accessible to people with special needs and disabilities.

What activities are available for exercise and recreation?

Märjamaa Parish Sports Centre has a climbing wall.

Next to Märjamaa Parish Sports Centre is a beach volleyball court open to everyone.

Märjamaa Ujula offers opportunities for relaxation in the water.

The activities range from climbing and beach volleyball to disc golf with 12 holes and water-based relaxation at Märjamaa Ujula.

What should be considered regarding location and transport history?

The former Rapla–Virtsu railway gave Märjamaa’s development additional momentum after its opening in the early 1930s.

For travel planning, this historical railway connection should be distinguished from road transport: the Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla road and the Tartu–Paide–Haapsalu road intersect in Märjamaa.

Which places can be added regionally?

For regional orientation, you can also include Varbola, Mõraste and Haimre.

For broader travel planning, you can also consider Rapla, Kehtna Parish, Käru, Järvakandi Vald and Vigala.

FAQ

When was the name Märjamaa first mentioned?

When did Helk Cinema reopen to visitors?

Helk Cinema reopened to visitors on 23 January 2009 after extensive renovation.

What rooms does Märjamaa Rahvamaja offer?

Märjamaa Rahvamaja has a cinema and conference room with 111 seats, as well as a concert hall with 270 seats.

How many holes does the disc golf course in Märjamaa have?

A disc golf course with 12 holes is located next to the stadium in Märjamaa.

For the broader travel overview: Rapla.