Kallaste opens new central square facing Lake Peipsi

ERR reports that Kallaste, Estonia’s smallest city, has opened a new central square that connects the town centre directly with Lake Peipsi. Final construction work is still under way, but the new stairs, viewing platform and seating areas are already in use.

Kallaste, in Peipsiääre Parish, has gained a central square with stairs and a ramp leading to the Lake Peipsi shore. The stairs and ramp were completed last summer.

According to the parish mayor, the renovated square could boost local business and provide leisure opportunities for people of all ages throughout the year.

“Before this, there was practically nothing here. The central square had been neglected, with some asphalt-covered ground and a grassy area, and there was nothing more,” Peipsiääre Parish Mayor Piibe Koemets said.

A complex arch rising over the square was found during construction last year to require repairs in the future. Its condition is currently good, but cold weather could damage it. The red arch was inspired by the layers of Kallaste’s reddish sandstone outcrop, the red bricks of Peipsiääre and the curved arches of caves along the shore.

The square will receive its final finishing touches in September. Local residents and visitors from farther away have already begun using and accepting it.

“If it is supposed to symbolise a swallow and the shoreline and sea waves, then why is it red? That remains a question mark, but otherwise it is very nice,” a local resident named Urmas said.

Kallaste’s central square is the Peipsiääre region’s largest investment in recent years. Cafes and activity areas for children are due to be added next summer.