Raadi Manor

Vastseliina Episcopal Castle is a place worth discovering in South Estonia for its 14th-century castle ruins, interactive activities, and interesting history as a sacred site. In the Middle Ages, the castle was a famous pilgrimage destination: by order of Pope Innocent VI, pilgrims who saw the miraculous cross in the castle chapel received a release from penance activities imposed on them for 1 year and 40 days. During the Northern War, the castle was destroyed by Peter I's troops, and only its ruins remain. The sacred pilgrimage site on the ruins of the former church is marked by a large cross, benches, and a sound installation featuring spiritual music. Nowadays, you can also visit the Vastseliina Episcopal Castle Medieval Experience Center and the Episcopal Castle Pilgrimage House. The castle ruins, sacred site, and experience center can be visited independently or with a guide upon prior arrangement. Additionally, refreshments and medieval feasts for groups are offered at the former Piiri Tavern.

Construction of the Laiuse fortress was launched by the Livonian Order in the late 14th century to defend its eastern borders. The first defensive structure in Estonia to be fitted with firearms, it gained its definitive appearance in the late Middle Ages. Cannon towers were added to the fortress in the mid-15th century. The fortress crumbled in 1559 but was restored, with wooden barracks built at the end of the Swedish era, which accommodated Karl XII and his entourage from 1700–1701. After the Great Northern War the fortress lay in ruins.

The ruins of Helme Order Castle are situated on a steep slope by the Pärnu-Valga road. The castle is thought to have been built in the first half of the 14th century. Parts of its walls with their distinctive window openings remain standing today. Legend has it that a young virgin was entombed within its walls in order to further strengthen it - whether there is any truth to the story is up to visitors to decide! Over the centuries the castle has been governed by Germans, Russians, Lithuanians and finally Swedes - who destroyed it in 1658.Did you know...?*In the valley below the castle is the Doctor's Spring, whose waters are said to cure seven different ailments.

The first written record about Kirumpää Castle is from 1322, when Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania, destroyed it. The castle was built by the once important Tartu-Pihkva trade and war route, to protect the eastern border of the Tartu Bishopric. The castle has been attacked, destroyed and rebuilt many times and it was finally destroyed in the Russo-Swedish war in 1656.Useful information: Kirumpää Castle was surrounded by a large settlement of merchants and craftsmen. The layouts of the castle and the surrounding area are preserved in the Swedish National Archives. Stones from the castle's ruins were used to build Võru, which was established in 1784. Small-leaved lindens that grow around the ruins are from 1940.

Põltsamaa Castle has been an important site throughout the centuries and carries a distinguished history – founded in 1272 on the riverbank, it was the residence of Magnus, the King of Livonia, and later evolved into a magnificent Rococo palace. Wars and fires left the castle in ruins, but now it has come back to life and is waiting for you to visit! Today, the castle offers visitors plenty of excitement. First and foremost, it is worth climbing to the viewing platform of the seven-story castle tower, where a captivating view of the city unfolds in every season. The tower is crowned by a restored historical dome, which is unique in all of Estonia. The church, located within the complex, is built directly into the castle's fortification walls and tower, and is open daily during the summer. The convent and gatehouse feature a modern exhibition that tells the colorful story of the castle and the town of Põltsamaa. In the castle courtyard, craft workshops await, where you can watch the work of masters or purchase something interesting yourself. Culinary experiences are offered by the restaurant Oberpahlen, where history and excellent food come together. Discover Põltsamaa Castle – a place where history comes to life!

The Uue-Saaluse manor, that was built in 1540, has had many owners, the first one being Reinhold Salis, after whom the manor is also named.The heart of the manor is in a beautiful place on a hill on the eastern shore of Lake Kavadi. The manor belonged to the von Maydell family from 1843 to 1919, when it was dispossessed.The Saaluse manor was nationalised after that, land was divided among those, who participated in the War of Independence, and the manor staff, until their own houses were built. Later the building was used for public festivals, as a school for two years and then as a community centre, which also housed a shop.Only ruins remain of the manor.

The cathedral located on Tartu's Toome Hill is one of Estonia's most remarkable and largest medieval structures, and the only church with two towers. The church's construction began as early as the 13th century, when Tartu was an important bishopric. Construction work and additions continued into the early 16th century. During the Reformation, the cathedral was abandoned and, over time, turned into ruins. Nevertheless, these powerful walls and spacious vaults remain one of the most outstanding examples of brick Gothic architecture in Old Livonia, reflecting the scale and craftsmanship of medieval architecture. The University of Tartu Museum operates in the cathedral building, showcasing the history of science, university education, and the development of Tartu's academic spirit. It is possible to visit the cathedral towers, which offer one of the most beautiful views of Tartu and the Emajõgi Valley. Next to the towers is Toompood, where you can find gifts, science-themed souvenirs, and memorabilia with university symbols. In the evenings, a light installation adds a magical atmosphere.

The ruins of Rõngu Vassal Castle are located in Rõngu, Elva Parish, Tartu County, and are among the most fascinating medieval monuments in South Estonia. The castle was likely established in the 14th century as a vassal castle of the Bishop of Tartu and was part of the bishopric's defense system, guarding important roads and the surrounding area. During medieval times, it was a complex of fortified buildings with an inner courtyard enclosed by walls. The castle also housed a chapel, which is mentioned in sources from the early 15th century. The castle lost its significance in the 16th century during the Livonian War when it was destroyed and fell into ruins. Today, the remnants of Rõngu Vassal Castle consist of wall remains located in the picturesque Lossimäe Park. The area is freely accessible and is suitable for walks, exploring history, and photography. The ruins offer an interesting time-travel experience for history enthusiasts and families looking to combine nature outings with cultural heritage exploration.