Karksi was first mentioned in the
12th century as an administrative center.
Karksi Castle A
vogt of Karksi is mentioned in written records for the first time in 1248, and construction of a castle in Karksi started sometime during the
Middle Ages. Completion was however, delayed as the castle was destroyed several times during the period. When it was finally completed during the
14th century, it was for a time an important stronghold for the
Teutonic Order in southern Estonia, and since 1470 the residence of the local commander. During the
Great Northern War, the castle was destroyed and never rebuilt. Very little remains of the inner castle, which was separated from the outer ward by a moat, but the outer walls and two square towers are relatively well-preserved. The castle was built of
rubble stone and brick. Today, the ruins are used as a backdrop for various cultural and sports events. in Karksi-Nuia ==Geography==