Pilguse Manor History
Pilguse’s old-established manor complex is located in West-coast of Saaremaa, on the bank of Nigu bay. Pilguse Manor dates back to 1558 and is set in 90 hectares of absolutely gorgeous and unique land. The roots of their family date back to 1501 in Lybeck where H. Billingshusen has been mentioned amongst local patricians.
Pilguse manor is the childhood home of the notorious seafarer, around the world sailor and the discoverer of the Antarctic mainland – Fabian Gottlieb Benjamin von Bellingshausen, who was an admiral in Russian Czar Navy.
1558
The history of Pilguse Manor began when bishop Münchausen gave a fief to ruler of Kihelkonna parish bishop – Hinrich Billinghusen.
1778
Famous seafarer and Admiral of Russian Czar Navy, named Fabian Gottlieb Benjamin von Bellingshausen, was born, who later discovered the mainland of Antarctica.
1805
The manor was acquired by Berend Woldemar von Aderkas and during his possession, the present mansion of Pilguse manor was built.
1842
Another famous seafarer Karl Pontus von Nolken, who has sailed around the world twice, acquired the manor.
1908
Russian Agrarian bank bought the mansion of Pilguse at a public quotation.
1909
Saaremaa’s mental hospital was founded in Pilguse.
1979
Pilguse Manor was taken under the states protection due to its buildings and unique system of limestone fences.
2000
The building of Pilguses Conference & Wellness Resort began.
2021
Pilguse Residency was established.