# Kursi Castle

- **Country:** Estonia
- **Location Text:** Puurmani

Puurmani Manor, often historically linked to the site of the former Kursi Castle known as Talkhof, is a significant cultural heritage object located in the village of Puurmani within Jõgeva County, Estonia. The original medieval fortress, established by the Teutonic Knights, stood at the strategic crossing of the Pedja River on the road between Tallinn and Tartu. This castle served as a key defensive and administrative center from 1343 until 1560, after which it fell into disrepair and eventually vanished without leaving preserved ruins. The estate itself was later granted by Swedish Queen Christina to the Buhrmeister family in 1645, a transaction that ultimately gave the locality its current name.

The existing main building was constructed between 1877 and 1881 for the von Manteuffel family, replacing the ancient fortifications with a grand palace designed in the Neo-Renaissance architectural style. The entrance to the property is distinguished by a notable gate built in the Tudor style, adding to the eclectic historical character of the site. Surrounding the manor is an expansive landscape park that skillfully combines two distinct gardening traditions: a symmetrical French-style garden situated at the front of the building and a more naturalistic English-style park extending toward the rear. This thoughtful design reflects the aesthetic preferences of the late nineteenth-century aristocracy.

Following the nationalization of the estate in 1919 after the von Manteuffel family lost ownership, the manor found a new purpose in public service. Since 1923, the building has continuously housed a school, ensuring its preservation and active use through decades of political change. Today, Puurmani Manor is officially protected by the Estonian government as a registered cultural heritage monument, having been listed since November 1999. It stands as a testament to the region's layered history, evolving from a military stronghold of the Middle Ages to an educational institution in the modern era.

![Photo of Kursi Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Puurmanim%C3%B5isa_peahoone_2.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puurmani_manor (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)