About the city and the twinning
About Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a coastal town in Lääne County, western Estonia. It received town rights in 1279 and grew around its medieval episcopal castle, which served as the centre of the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek for nearly three centuries. The castle complex includes a cathedral and a museum devoted to medieval history.
Seaside and cultural heritage
Haapsalu is known as Estonia’s oldest seaside resort. Its tradition of sea-mud treatments dates to 1825, and the town later became a popular summer destination for the Russian aristocracy. The waterfront promenade and the old town’s decorative wooden architecture reflect its resort history. The town also gave its name to the Haapsalu shawl, a finely knitted lace shawl traditionally delicate enough to pass through a ring.
Twinning with Bethlehem
In September 2010, a twinning agreement was signed between Dr Victor Batarseh, Mayor of Bethlehem and The Honourable Dr Urmas Sukles, Mayor of Haapsalu, in Haapsalu. With the interest in building friendship based on respect and equality and focusing on the areas of culture, economy, science, environment, education, healthcare and social matters, promotion of tourism and pilgrimage for both cities and the exchange of experience and information for both municipalities. This agreement followed two visits to Bethlehem, one by Peeter Vikman, vice mayor of Haapsalu in February of that year and the other by a small delegation in June.
In December 2011, the Very Reverend Tiit Salumäe, Dean of Lääne deanery of the EELC, the Assessor of the Consistory of the EELC and the President of the Estonian Bible Society visited Bethlehem. In 2014 Urmas Sukles, Mayor of Haapsalu, enquired whether he could visit Bethlehem.
In November 2014, a delegation from the municipality of Haapsalu participated in the Conference of the Local Authorities in Solidarity with the Palestinian People that was held in Ramallah. Consequently, and after an invitation from Bethlehem Municipality, a delegation from Haapsalu participated in the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bethlehem in December 2015.
In August 2016, a delegation from Bethlehem Municipality participated in the “White Lady Festival” in the city of Haapsalu as a way of reinforcing mutual collaboration and increasing the mutual understanding between different municipalities and cultures.
In 2017, the Mayor of Haapsalu accompanied with a delegation from the Municipality of Haapsalu visited the city of Bethlehem, and organized with Bethlehem Municipality two musical concerts. The delegation also visited Bethlehem University and Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation with the aim of supporting the implementation of projects for the benefit of the two parties.