A manor grown around a medieval vassal stronghold, its round towers still recalling a fortress. Admiral Adam Johann von Krusenstern, who led Russia’s first round-the-world voyage in 1803–1806, lived and died here. Today it houses a school.
The Estonian name comes from the medieval owners, the von Gilsentelts.
The gable reads “built 1292, renovated 1790”, though the surviving castle parts are more likely 15th century.
Curved outbuildings form an arcade around the forecourt, unique in Estonia.
Photos through time
1914 · The manor servants’ house, 1914 Unknown · Public domain1921 · Kiltsi manor, V.-Maarja parish, Vao v Tõnu Kiipus · Eesti Rahva Muuseum, ERM Fk 450:22 · CC BY-NC1922 · Kiltsi manor, V.-Maarja parish, Vao v Tõnu Kiipus · Eesti Rahva Muuseum, ERM Fk 450:21 · CC BY-NCarchive · Kiltsi manor Epp Siimo · Eesti Ajaloomuuseum, AM N 13296:1 · CC BYarchive · Kiltsi manor Epp Siimo · Eesti Ajaloomuuseum, AM N 13296:2 · CC BYarchive · Kiltsi manor. View from the back Eesti Arhitektuurimuuseum, EAM Fk 18867 · CC BY-SAarchive · Kiltsi manor (Ass), main house Eesti Rahva Muuseum, ERM Fk 887:427 · Public domainarchive · Kiltsi manor (Ass), main house Eesti Rahva Muuseum, ERM Fk 887:428 · Public domainarchive · Kiltsi manor (Ass), main house, courtyard side, with a carriage and rider Eesti Rahva Muuseum, ERM Fk 887:429 · Public domainarchive · Kiltsi manor Helmut Joonuks · Virumaa Muuseumid, RM F 1014:44 · CC BY-NC-SAarchive · Kiltsi manor Helmut Joonuks · Virumaa Muuseumid, RM F 1294:11 · CC BY-NC-SA2008 · Kiltsi in winter, 2008 Aulo Aasmaa · CC BY 3.0
