# Vaabina Castle

- **Country:** Estonia
- **Coordinates:** 57.863889, 26.608611
- **Location Text:** Vaabina

Vaabina is a small village situated in Antsla Parish within Võru County, in the southeastern region of Estonia. Located approximately six kilometers northeast of the town of Antsla, the settlement had a recorded population of 232 residents as of May 2004. While often associated with the historical Vaabina Manor, the site today functions primarily as a rural community and farm area rather than a preserved castle complex. The village lies along the currently inactive Valga to Pechory railway line, which once served as a transport link in the region.

The location holds significant historical roots, having been first mentioned in written records in 1405 under the German names Ülzen or Uelzen. The modern name, Vaabina, originated in the 16th century and is derived from Fabian von Tiesenhausen, a notable owner of the manor during that era. Although the site was once home to a knight's manor, no architectural remnants of the original structure or any associated castle fortifications survive today. Consequently, there is no existing building to showcase specific architectural styles from its medieval or early modern periods.

Despite the absence of physical ruins, Vaabina remains historically noteworthy as the birthplace of Emma Asson (1889–1965), who achieved fame as the first woman elected to the Estonian parliament. The area is currently characterized by its agricultural landscape and status as an ancient settlement site. For visitors or researchers, the location offers insight into the region's feudal past and demographic evolution, even though the tangible heritage of the manor house itself has completely vanished over the centuries.

![Photo of Vaabina Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Vaabina_asulakoht.JPG)

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