The 180 mm coastal defence battery No. 317 gives Ninase a distinctive connection to Saaremaa’s military history: it is one of the island’s best-preserved World War II monuments. But Ninase can be seen through more than this heritage. A dolomite escarpment, a nature observation tower and figures made from former post mills offer other points of interest. Before looking for a holiday apartment, you might therefore consider whether landscape, military history or local tradition should be the focus of your stay.
Cliff and peninsula
The Tagaranna or Ninase Cliff has a second escarpment farther inland, formed from Jaagarahu dolomite. Tagaranna and Ninase are alternative names for the cliff; Jaagarahu dolomite refers to the material of the second escarpment. This distinguishes the name of the coastal area from its geological feature, while also keeping the additional inland escarpment in view.
Inland, the Ninase Peninsula reaches an elevation of up to 19 m. The Ninase nature observation tower stands near the car park by the cliff. The two details offer different points of reference: the elevation refers to the peninsula’s interior, while the tower’s location is associated with the cliff area.
Military history and remembrance
Ninase’s 180 mm coastal defence battery No. 317 is one of the best-preserved World War II monuments on Saaremaa. Its calibre and number give the named installation a specific identity; its status as a monument places it within the island’s military history. A monument dedicated to the sinking of the ferry “Estonia” is also located on Ninase Cliff. These two historical references concern different subjects: coastal defence on the one hand, and remembrance of a sunken ferry on the other.
Piret and Tõll: figures made from post mills
Piret and Tõll, also known as Eit and Taat, stand in Ninase village. The figures were made by transforming former, derelict post mills. In the 1970s, two of the three former derelict post mills in Ninase were transformed into figures wearing folk costumes; originally, they were named Piret and Tõll. The sequence—from former mills to their transformation into figures—brings this local history to life: their names and appearance can be considered alongside their origins, rather than seeing the figures simply as names.
Piret is also associated with a local tradition. It tells of young women placing a stone bearing their maiden name under Piret’s skirt before they marry; this is said to bring good luck in marriage later on. The story connects the figure with a specific life event and hopes for the future. Alongside the figures’ origins in the mills, it reveals another aspect of local tradition: as well as how the figures came about, there is a belief associated with Piret concerning marriage and good fortune.
Which focus suits your stay?
When choosing a holiday apartment in Ninase, a comparison by theme can help: the cliff and its dolomite escarpment draw attention to the landscape; the battery and the Estonia monument represent different historical subjects; Piret and Tõll lead to village history and local tradition.
Discover more destinations: Küdema, Rahtla, Tagaranna.
For the broader travel overview: Mustjala.
