317th 180-mm Coastal Defence Battery in Ninase
Military equipment

This coastal defence battery is situated in Ninase near the Port of Saaremaa on Tagaranna Peninsula. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Soviet Union began fortifying the Western Estonian Archipelago and a coastal defence battery comprising four 180-mm guns was built on farmland in the village of Ninase to deter the enemy. Construction work on the battery began in July 1940. Its artillery stood 200-300 metres apart, with a generator established nearby to supply the complex with electricity. The battery was not used in combat. On 20 September 1941, German troops surrounded the battery. The battery crew managed to blow up two of the guns and break through the German line.

Ninase Coastal Defence Battery is one of the best preserved historical buildings from World War II on Saaremaa and has turned into a popular tourist attraction. It has become more attractive in recent years thanks to the Mustjala Music Festival, which is held nearby.