The present town began to develop around the Church of Great Saint John the Baptist (Gro Sankt Johannis in German), built in the middle of the 14th century. The locality was initially called Walula (or “Valle”), first recorded in 1423(?). The present name “Suure-Jaani”, which has been used since the 17th century, is an Estonian derivate from the German name of the church. Lutheran services are still held at the church.
During the Estonian national awakening period in the 19th century, the town was an important cultural centre.
Suure-Jaani is situated in a hilly region, offering picturesque views with its park, artificial lake and church in the centre of the town.
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Municipalities
There are 4 urban municipalities (est: linnad - towns) and 14 rural municipalities (est: vallad - parishes) in the county.
Urban municipalities:
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Suure-Jaani
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Rural municipalities:
Abja
Halliste
Karksi
Kolga-Jaani
Kõo
Kõpu
Olustvere
Paistu
Pärsti
Saarepeedi
Suure-Jaani
Tarvastu
Vastemõisa
Viiratsi
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Municipalities
There are 2 urban municipalities (est: linnad - towns) and 14 rural municipalities (est: vallad - parishes) in the county.
Urban municipalities:
Paide
Türi
Rural municipalities:
Albu
Ambla
Imavere
Järva-Jaani
Kabala
Kareda
Koeru
Koigi
Lehtse
Oisu
Paide
Roosna-Alliku
Türi
Väätsa
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In contrast to Tallinn which is today the political and financial capital of Estonia, Tartu is often considered its intellectual and cultural centre, especially since it is home to Estonia's oldest and most renowned university. Situated 180 kilometres southeast of Tallinn, Tartu is certainly the centre of Southern Estonia. The Emajõgi river, which connects the two largest lakes of
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Municipalities
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Juuru
Järvakandi
Kaiu
Kehtna
Kohila
Käru
Märjamaa
Raikküla
Rapla
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