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  • History & Culture
  • Architecture and history
  • Lookout towers
  • Churches
  • Ruins

Tartu Cathedral

Lossi tn 25, Tartu linn, Tartu maakond, 51003

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.

Amenities

  • Information boards
  • Paid parking
  • Recreation area/picnic ground
  • Souvenirs

Open times

Throughout the Year

Around the Clock

Contact

  • +372 737 5674
  • muuseum@ut.ee

Links

muuseum.ut.ee

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  • Lookout towers
  • Birdwatching

Linnutee hiking trail, bird observation tower

The bird observation tower on the Linnutee hiking trail is located in Kärevere Nature Reserve, which is one of the most visited places among bird enthusiasts. There are over 200 bird species here!The six-meter observation tower is perfect for admiring birds, their migration, and nesting, as well as the spring floods, and the diverse rivers, meadows, and forests. The purpose of this area is to protect rare species of birds, animals, and plants, as well as their habitats, forest and meadow communities, and inland water bodies. The local protected species include the black stork, the lesser spotted eagle, the white-tailed eagle, several bat species, the asp, the European bullhead, and others.

  • Churches

Vastseliina Church

Vastseliina Castle was built in 1342. The Swedish Army gave the order to build another church outside the walls of the castle as an addition to the Vastseliina Castle Chapel. The new church was consecrated as St. Catherine's Church. The church was destroyed together with the Vastseliina Castle by Russian cannon fire. Another church was built, and construction began on a stone church. Von Liphardt donated an organ made by Kessler and an alter painting by Baron Maydell to the church. Vastseliina Church was reconstructed according to the plans of the architect Pohlmann. In 1911 the church obtained a new organ built by the brothers Kriisa. Church service is held on Sunday.

  • Lookout towers
  • Beaches

Vanamõisa Beach

Tõrva's Vanamõisa Lake is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the outskirts of the city, near Tõrva Veemõnula Water and Sauna Center. At the edge of Vanamõisa Lake stands the Baltics' highest diving tower, Tõrva Lion Tower. It was built in place of the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has five floors, each with a diving platform into the lake. The height of the last platform above the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower, including light masts, reaches 14 meters. In addition to the long sandy shore, the beach features a boardwalk and ball game courts. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can rent volleyball, badminton sets, and spikeball sets from the lifeguard. Changing rooms and toilets are available. Good to know: you can park your car at the Tõrva Gymnasium parking lot, and from there, it's a short walk to the lake. Come and enjoy the summer and water fun in Southern Estonia!

  • Lookout towers
  • Churches

St. John’s Church in Tartu

Tartu's Gothic-style St. John's Church dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Estonia. It is known for its unique terracotta sculptures, which are considered rare in all of Europe. The church once had over 1,000 handmade terracotta statues; about 200 have survived. Each sculpture is different, which has led to speculation that they may depict Tartu's former inhabitants or other important people. The tower of St. John's Church offers a wonderful view of the entire historic old town of Tartu. It houses two bronze bells, called Peter and Paul. On the last Sunday of every month, the church holds a service in English!

  • Churches

Nõo Holy Trinity Church of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church

There is a remarkable historicist Orthodox church with quarrystone and brick walls and five onion-cupolas in Nõo small borough.The Nõo Congregation was founded in 1852 for Estonian Orthodox Christians who previously belonged to the Tartu Georgi congregation. The architecturally remarkable church is made of quarrystone and red bricks and has a bell-tower in the western side. It was completed in 1873. The interior architecture of the church is simple and the iconostasis dates back to the late 19th century.Services are held in the Holy Trinity Church in Nõo on the second Saturday of each month.

  • Churches

Obinitsa Church and Cemetery

Obinitsa Church was built deep in the Soviet era: 1952, when the country was led by Comrade Stalin. The people's desire for a new sanctuary (the old church was given to the school) was so great, that it bypassed the politics of the day. The Obinitsa Church's main holiday is 19 August - The Feast of the Transfiguration - and thousands of people visit the church that day to remember their ancestors and spend time with a relatives. People have been buried in Obinitsa Cemetery for at least 1,500 years. The oldest burials are marked by small stones located in the western part of the cemetery. The well-known Seto singer Hilana Taarka and the creator of the Obinitsa Museum, Lidia Sillaots, are buried in this park-like cemetery.

  • Lookout towers

Meremäe Viewing Tower

The Meremäe Viewing Tower is located between Meremäe village and Vastseliina Castle on Meremäe Hill (204 m). Based on its name, one might think that the sea might be visible from the tower. However, the sea, as we know it today, is about 250 km from here, though Lake Pskov – which is not visible on the opposite side, and which was probably also called a sea in the old days – is just 40 km away. In fine weather, the domes of the churches of the Pskov-Caves Monastery in Pechory can be seen from the tower. The wide view of Setomaa's fields and forests is amazingly beautiful in every season, regardless of the weather. Fifteen people can climb the viewing tower at a time.

  • Churches

Äksi St. Andrew’s Church of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church

This neo-Gothic church with its tall and slender tower is an integral part of the beautiful landscape of Vooremaa. The church has a spacious and stylish Historicist interior. The church is thought to have been built in 1770 and was reconstructed in 1889. A monument to the pastor and renowned linguist Otto Wilhelm Masing can be found in the Church Manor (1989).

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