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Narva represents the easternmost point of Estonia, separated only from neighboring Russia via the Narva River that snakes along the border. As the third largest city in Estonia, Narva is populated by around 70,000 inhabitants. It is virtually a Russian town in essence, whether it is by culture or by appearance. Its history dates back to the Stone Age, as a fortress and trading point often caught in a tug-of-war between opposing empires, usually between the Russians and the Germans.

Narva's rich cultural heritage, however, was destroyed in 1944, just as the Second World War was nearing its end. During its liberation by the Soviet Union's Red Army, the battle almost damaged the city's entire infrastructure—so much so that it had to be rebuilt from scratch. Thus, Narva was reborn basically as a largely Soviet city, with most of its buildings now donning the typical Soviet influence in architecture. Its populace is even dominated by immigrants from the defunct Soviet Union and their descendants, with 90 percent of them using Russian as their main language, as opposed to most of the country's inhabitants who utilize Estonian.

The highlight of a visit in Narva is the impressive Narva Castle, or as it is commonly known, the Herman Castle. Perched at the banks of the Narva River, the castle was built by the Danish in the 13th century. Today, it is one of the few non-Soviet structures remaining in the city. Hewn out of stone blocks, it was able to survive the ravages of war, and was immediately restored to its former glory after the country's independence.

At the opposite side of the river is the castle's fraternal twin, the Russian medieval castle Ivangorod Fortress. It is believed to have been commissioned by Ivan III in 1492. It sprawls to area that roughly measures to 1,600 square feet. Within its thick, 14-meter-high walls is a makeshift museum that features displays of ancient artwork, manuscripts, and artifacts.

Known among the locals as Raejoka Valjak, Narva's Old Town Hall showcases a distinctive Baroque architecture. It was built from stone, following the orders of Sweden's King Charles IV in 1670. It is characterized by its eight Tuscan pilasters, ceilings and walls adorned with murals, as well as a large clock face. There is also the Voskresenky Cathedral, which is considered as one of Narva's most famous landmarks. Believed to be no less than a hundred years old, this Russian Orthodox church was built by Otto Gippius. It served as a shelter for many Estonians during the Second World War.

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