Suure-Jaani

Suure-Jaani is a small town in the northern part of the county of Viljandimaa in Southern Central Estonia, 25 kilometres from the town of Viljandi. The population was 1378 as of 1 January 2000 (according to official statistics).

The oldest archaeological findings from the area date back to the 6th millennium B.C. At the end of the 12th century A.D., the Lehola stronghold of ancient Estonians was built at a location (now known as Lõhavere) approximately 2 kilometres north-east from the present town border. The stronghold was the centre of the historical Estonian region of Sakala and also a centre of Estonians' fight against the conquest of German Sword Brethren in the 13th century. Not much except of a hill has been left of the stronghold but the place (known in Estonian also as Lembitu linnamägi) is still visited as a tourist attraction.

The present town began to develop around the Church of Great Saint John the Baptist (Gross Sankt Johannis in German), built in the middle of the 14th century. The locality was initially called Walula (or "Valle"), first recorded in 1423(?). The present name "Suure-Jaani", which has been used since the 17th century, is an Estonian derivate from the German name of the church. At present, Lutheran services are still held at the church.

During the Estonian national awakening period in the 19th century, the town was an important cultural centre.

Suure-Jaani is situated in a hilly region, offering picturesque views with its park, artificial lake and church in the centre of the town. Some photos (http://www.suure-jaani.ee/galerii/piltVV#11).

The town has its own webpage with some information in English:
http://www.suure-jaani.ee