Discover Püha: Jakobi Church and Soobiku Discovery Trail

• Püha Jakobi Church is one of the youngest medieval churches on Saaremaa; its present form took shape over three major building phases.
• The Baroque altar dates from 1753, and the pulpit from 1793.
• The approximately 1 km-long Püha Soobiku Discovery Trail has nine themed activity stations and ends in Pihtla Community Park.
• Soobik is a local natural feature in the form of a bog island.
• The Püha Camp Centre is set on a 1.6 ha site with sports and outdoor areas.

The church’s architectural history can be traced through several key dates. Its present form took shape over three major building phases. The massive tower is thought to have been built in the last decades of the 15th century; the timber used in its construction was felled between 1481 and 1486. The date of the tower’s construction remains a probable estimate, while the felling period for the timber is given as a date range.

The furnishings also span different periods. The Baroque altar was made in 1753 by master craftsman Gottfried Böhme of Kuressaare. The pulpit dates from 1793 and features Neoclassical forms. Baroque and Neoclassicism are therefore two distinct stylistic periods that can be dated based on these furnishings. Two fireplaces add to the architectural details: one is on the upper floor of the sacristy, the other in the tower. Together with the building phases, these details give a specific overview of the church’s architectural features.

The approximately 1 km-long Püha Soobiku Discovery Trail passes through an area whose natural feature is Soobik, a bog island. The route features nine themed activity stations. Visitors can also cross a body of water on a raft. The trail is therefore defined not just by its length, but by a variety of activity points along the way.

The trail ends in Pihtla Community Park, where there are low adventure courses designed for younger and older children. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between the trail itself and the destination in the park: the distance describes the trail, while the courses are an additional activity at the endpoint.

Püha Camp Centre offers unlimited tent pitches for camping. Check the current arrangements before your trip. The 1.6 ha site includes a park and grassy areas, as well as a volleyball court with a firm sand surface and a full-size basketball court. There is also a fire pit and a large village swing.

The facilities listed serve different purposes: the two courts are for volleyball and basketball, while the park, grassy areas, fire pit and swing make up other outdoor spaces. When planning where to stay, you can compare these specific details about the Camp Centre with Püha’s cultural and natural attractions.

The coastal Laidevahe Nature Reserve is located nearby, 8 km from Püha Jakobi Church. Hikes can be arranged there. Check the arrangements locally before planning your trip. This option adds another nature experience to the themes of the church and Soobik, without assuming that it forms a shared route with the other places mentioned.

When choosing what to focus on, you can use the different time and subject details: the church features several building phases and furnishings from the 18th century, while the Discovery Trail is described as approximately 1 km long, with nine activity stations. For a hike in Laidevahe Nature Reserve, arrangements must instead be checked locally.

Discover more destinations: Suur-Rootsi, Eiste, Sutu, Pihtla, Kaali.

How old is the tower of Püha Jakobi Church?

The massive tower is thought to have been built in the last decades of the 15th century. The timber used in its construction was felled between 1481 and 1486.

How long is the Püha Soobiku Discovery Trail?

The trail is approximately 1 km long, has nine themed activity stations and ends in Pihtla Community Park.

What hikes can be planned in the surrounding area?

Hikes can be arranged in Laidevahe Nature Reserve, 8 km from Püha Jakobi Church. Check the arrangements locally.

To the main travel overview: Pihtla.