Märjamaa Church is a Gothic house of worship and is considered the strongest fortified church in western Estonia. At the same time, Märjamaa alev lies within the Märjamaa Nature Reserve. The building’s history and its location in the protected area offer two different perspectives on the town.

The Church and the Town’s History

The church was built as a stone church in the first third of the 14th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a single-nave Gothic church; high vaults, a tall triumphal arch and thick stone walls define its architecture. Its designation as a fortified church is also part of its classification.

The town’s development can also be viewed in chronological stages. The name Märjamaa was first mentioned in 1364 in connection with the priest Gerlacus de Castella, also known as Gerlich von Costelen, who served the Meriama parish at the time. The town began to develop in the second half of the 19th century. The medieval history of the church and the town’s name thus predates the start of its later development.

Between Pärnu and Tallinn

Märjamaa alev lies between Pärnu and Tallinn and within the Märjamaa Nature Reserve, established in 2019. Its land area is 728.3 hectares. This figure describes the area of the reserve and provides a geographical context for a stay in Märjamaa.

Transport routes are also part of the town’s history and orientation. The Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla road and the Tartu–Paide–Haapsalu road intersect in Märjamaa. Another chapter in transport history is connected with the former Rapla–Virtsu railway: after it opened in the early 1930s, it gave an additional boost to Märjamaa’s development. The Märjamaa railway station building at Jaama tn 5 is a listed building.

Culture in the Town

Märjamaa Rahvamaja is the largest cultural centre in Märjamaa Parish. It has a cinema and conference room with 111 seats and a concert hall with 270 seats. The two rooms differ in both function and capacity. Rahvamaja is also accessible to people with special needs and disabilities.

Helk cinema is located in the centre of Märjamaa alev. The cinema has been in its current building since 1 January 1967; after extensive renovation, it reopened to visitors on 23 January 2009. If you are planning to see a film or attend an event, check the programme and dates in advance.

Activities and Leisure

Märjamaa Ujula offers opportunities to relax in the water. There are also specific options for staying active: Märjamaa Valla Spordikeskus has a climbing wall for adults and children. Next to the sports centre is a beach volleyball court that is open to everyone; a 12-hole disc golf course is located beside the stadium in Märjamaa.

The activities differ considerably: climbing, beach volleyball and disc golf each offer a different focus, while Ujula provides opportunities to relax in the water. When planning your visit, you can choose between culture, architecture and a range of leisure activities without losing sight of the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Haimre, Mõraste, Varbola, Vigala, Järvakandi Vald, Käru, Rapla, Kehtna Parish.

Go to the overview of the wider travel area: Rapla.