The medieval episcopal Kuressaare Castle today houses the Saaremaa Regional Museum. The castle was originally built in wood between 1338 and 1380, although other sources claim a fortess was first built in Kuressaare as early as 1260. In 1968, architect Kalvi Aluve began studies on Kuressaare Castle. Annual chamber music recitals are held in summer. The town hall was originally built in 1654, and restored, retaining classicist and baroque features. It was last restored in the 1960s with dolomite stairs at the front. St Nicolaus Church was built in 1790.
Kuressaare also hosts the FC Kuressaare football club
