The University of Tartu Art Museum is located in the historical University Main Building and has Pompeian-style interior. The museum’s permanent exhibition consists of sculptures, mostly from the antiquity – original size plaster cast copies of the best works of Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greece. The Art Museum also displays many ancient originals: coins, vases, clay lamps, and cuneiform tablets. There is also the mysterious mummy chamber, where you can find a genuine Egyptian mummy. You can also visit the beautiful Assembly Hall of the university and the student lock-up in the attic.
The patron saint of the Värska Orthodox Church is St. George. The most important church holiday is St. George's Day, which is celebrated in Setomaa on May 6 and culminates with the afternoon kirmaski, or village party. The church was built with money from the community, and the original iconostasis from the beginning of the 20th century has been preserved, part of which is an icon of St. George painted on a tree in the 17th century. The church also has several handmade holy shawls. Värska cemetery is next to the church, and several important Seto cultural figures are buried there.
Discover the heart of Estonian literature: the Oskar Luts Home Museum in Tartu! The museum is a quiet, charming place that takes you back in time and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Estonia's most beloved writers, Oskar Luts (1887–1953). The museum is located in a functionalist house built in the 20th century, where the author's personal belongings, furniture, manuscripts, and work desk have been preserved. The permanent exhibition reveals Luts's influence on literature, theatre, and film. The authentic atmosphere and warm stories offer a meaningful experience even for those just discovering his name. This is not just a museum, but a home where literature and life meet!
Alatskivi Ceramics is a unique space where history and Estonian craftsmanship converge – it is situated in the vaulted basement of Alatskivi Castle, where the manor's servants once resided. Now a talented ceramics master works there, creating unique, high-quality handmade clay products on-site – bowls, cups, jugs, and other beautiful everyday ceramics that make lovely gifts! Visitors can purchase and admire these unique items in the shop and also try their hand at working with clay – the workshops are suitable for adults and are especially popular with children. You can also visit the castle, the Eduard Tubina Museum, the Alatskivi Castle Horse Stable Exhibition, and the restaurant!
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.
Villa Tammekann is an architectural landmark, where the Granö Centre of the University of Turku and Tartu operates.The world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed the building as the home of August Tammekann, Professor of Geography at the University of Tartu. The University of Turku Foundation bought the house from the children of Tammekann in 1998, and then the building was overhauled mainly in accordance with the drawings of Alvar and Aino Aalto. The overhaul was recognised with the Europa Nostra Prize in 2001.The house is part of the National Register of Cultural Monuments and the international IconicHouses network.Groups must book a time to visit the house.
The KGB Cells Museum, known as the "Grey House", is a historical museum in Tartu, where the NKVD/KGB was located in the 1940s and 1950s. The basement of the building, where the cells were located, is open to visitors. Several cells, the punishment cells, and the basement corridor have been restored to their historical form. The prison cells are filled with an exhibition that provides an overview of Estonia's post-war struggle for freedom and the crimes of the communist regime. Here you can see photographs and objects from Siberian prison camps, as well as materials on the history of the Forest Brotherhood and secret resistance organizations. Step into history and experience the meaning of freedom!
The Pokuland theme park on the borders of Võru and Põlva Counties was created after a children’s book, Pokumaa by Edgar Valter, and its main characters – Pokus. Pokus were created after sedge tussocks, or clumps of long, thick grass that grow in the bogs.The world of Pokus begins with the visitor's centre – Pokuhall – that looks like a twin-Poku and surprises guests with its unique stairways, passages and interior design elements. In the Pokuhall visitors can see original illustrations and oil paintings by Edgar Valter, get to know his creative work and make Pokus themselves. There are many other activities and events, such as study trails to introduce local nature, village swings to ride, as well as picnic and camping sites.