Märjamaa: Church, Nature and Culture

Märjamaa combines a long history with opportunities to enjoy nature, culture and sport. The name Märjamaa was first mentioned in 1364. At the time, the priest Gerlacus de Castella, also known as Gerlich von Costelen, served the Meriama congregation. The settlement began to develop in the second half of the 19th century. These historical milestones provide a timeline for planning your trip—from the first mention to the settlement’s later development.

Nature and Getting Your Bearings in Märjamaa

Märjamaa alev is located between Pärnu and Tallinn. The Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla Road and the Tartu–Paide–Haapsalu Road intersect in Märjamaa. These two road routes provide clear geographical orientation when planning your trip. At the same time, Märjamaa alev lies within the Märjamaa Nature Reserve, established in 2019, which covers 728.3 hectares of land. The settlement’s location between two cities and its connection to the reserve’s landscape are both part of its character.

Transport history has also shaped Märjamaa’s development: the former Rapla–Virtsu railway gave the settlement a further boost after it opened in the early 1930s. It adds a historical dimension to the two roads that intersect in Märjamaa.

Church and Local History

In the first third of the 14th century, a stone church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in Märjamaa. Märjamaa Church is a single-nave Gothic church. High vaults, a tall chancel arch and thick stone walls define the building. It is considered the strongest fortified church in western Estonia. Its construction period, dedication to Mary and classification as a fortified church make it a special highlight for travellers interested in architecture and history.

Another architectural monument connected with the settlement’s history is the Märjamaa railway station building at Jaama tn 5. It is listed as an architectural monument. Together with the history of the former Rapla–Virtsu railway, it adds a railway station building to the settlement’s historical landmarks.

Culture at Märjamaa Rahvamaja and Helk Cinema

Märjamaa Rahvamaja is the largest cultural centre in Märjamaa Municipality. Its facilities include a cinema and conference room with 111 seats and a concert hall with 270 seats. The concert hall therefore has considerably more seats than the cinema and conference room. The building is also accessible to people with disabilities and special needs.

Helk Cinema is located in the centre of Märjamaa alev. The cinema has been housed in its current building since 1 January 1967. Following extensive renovations, it reopened to visitors on 23 January 2009. These two dates offer a glimpse into the cinema’s history without requiring you to visit different places around the settlement.

Sport and Exercise

There are several different options for an active itinerary. Märjamaa Valla Spordikeskus has a climbing wall for adults and children. There is also a beach volleyball court next to the sports centre, open to everyone. This gives you two distinct options: a climbing wall and a freely accessible beach volleyball court.

A 12-hole disc golf course is located next to the stadium in Märjamaa. Märjamaa Ujula offers opportunities to relax in the water. The leisure activities mentioned here range from climbing and beach volleyball to disc golf and relaxing in the water. When planning, you can weigh up culture, architecture and various activities, each with its own focus.

Discover more destinations: Haimre, Mõraste, Varbola, Rapla, Järvakandi Vald, Kohila, Vigala, Käru.

Go to the main travel overview: Rapla.