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Põltsamaa Castle

Lossi tn 1, Põltsamaa vald, Jõgeva maakond, 48103

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!

Amenities

  • Information boards
  • WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Seminar room
  • Recreation area/picnic ground
  • Souvenirs

Open times

1. okt - 30. apr

T-P10:00 - 18:00

1. mai - 30. sept

10:00 - 18:00

Contact

  • +372 522 2584
  • loss@poltsamaa.ee

Links

poltsamaaloss.ee

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  • Churches

Tartu St. Peter’s Church

Tartu St. Peter's Church is one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic Lutheran sanctuaries in Southern Estonia, established in the late 19th century as a spiritual home for the growing Estonian-speaking community. Designed by architect Viktor Schröter, the church is distinguished by its 56.5-meter-high tower and impressive brick facade, which reshaped the entire Ülejõe district's appearance. The church hall is bright and spacious, featuring a remarkable three-story interior. Wooden balconies and neo-Gothic arches add warmth and a dignified rhythm to the space, creating the impression of a true city cathedral. Visitors can admire Johann Köler's altarpiece "Inviting Christ" (1897) and listen to the late-19th-century 22-register organ, making Peetri Church one of Tartu's most esteemed concert venues due to its excellent acoustics. The church was established near the site of Estonia's first national song festival and has been an important part of Estonian cultural and congregational history since its cornerstone was laid in 1882.

  • Guided tours

Babelhouse’s literary walk in Tartu

Tartu is one of Estonia's most important literary cities! Have you ever wondered which streets and places have inspired writers and where famous stories were born? On this literary walk, you will discover Tartu through literature and stories. You will visit places associated with various authors and their work, and learn more about the city's rich literary history. The walk takes you through Tartu's Old Town to Aparaaditehas, where you meet familiar characters and authors. The guide tells stories of writers who have lived, studied, or found inspiration here. Real places and literary stories intertwine, revealing the city from a completely new angle. This tour is suitable for everyone who wants to view Tartu through a literary lens. Babelhouse's guided tours are flexible and tailored according to the group's wishes and time constraints.

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St. Nicholas’ church, Põltsamaa

This Lutheran church, originally constructed on a bastion and the town's walls, was restored from its war-time ruins 50 years ago. Its altar, pulpit, lights and tower bells (XIX) are from the now defunct University of Tartu church.

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Memorial room for Anna Haava in the Kodavere Heritage Centre

Anna Haava (1864–1957) was an Estonian poet, librettist, and translator who was born on Haavakivi Farm in Pala Parish, Tartu County.The memorial room located in the Kodavere Heritage Centre exhibits photographs of the poet and her relatives, along with a family tree, poetry collections and translations, memorabilia, parts of Anna Haava's correspondence, copies of documents, and a model of Haavakivi Farm.

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Lutheran Church of Blessed Virgin Mary in Põlva

The Church of Blessed Virgin Mary in Põlva is one of the oldest churches in historical Võrumaa. The rarities of the church are the old altar painting The Last Supper (1650) and the altar panels (1647). There is an altar painting The Resurrection (Friedrich Ludwig von Maydell, 1845). The church was originally a square-shaped hall church with three naves. Today it has preserved from it a high tower with a deep niche and a Western façade. Interesting to know: According to a legend, the key of the church is held by a kneeling girl called Mary who is walled in. Allegedly that is also the origin of the name of the church and Põlva (‘knee’ for the Estonian ‘põlv’).

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Rannu Apostolic Orthodox Church

The Apostolic Orthodox Church in Rannu (Rannu Orthodox Church) was built during 1899-1901 and consecrated on 5 May 1905 to celebrate Jesus going to Jerusalem. Therefore the church is also called the Rannu Church of the Lord Going to Jerusalem.The activities of the Orthodox congregation were terminated in 1961 and the church was used as the warehouse of the Rannu collective farm. In the 1980s, Rannu State Farm decided to make amends for the injustice and restored the church. The church has been previously used as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.Currently the church is not used for services.

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Tartu Kolgata Baptist Church

After the Second World War, the Baptist congregations in Tartu joined the only remaining Baptist church: the Kolgata congregation, whose chapel was opened in 1931.In 2013, the congregation moved from the old prayer house located in Karlova district to a modern church building (completed in 1995) at the edge of the centre of the city due to lack of space. The first service in the building on Veski Street took place on 10 November 2013, when the Kolgata congregation celebrated its 112th anniversary.The congregation belongs to the Union of Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches of Estonia. Services in Estonian are held on Sundays at 11 a.m. and in Russian at 1 p.m.

  • Family friendly
  • Guided tours

Tartu City Museum

Tartu City Museum invites you to explore the city's diverse history and cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition, "Our Tartu," introduces the districts of Tartu, telling stories about the people of Tartu, their lives, and everyday habits. The exhibition provides insight into what makes each district in Tartu special, as each district has its own personality, as shared by local people. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions that introduce new topics and artistic perspectives. These exhibitions reveal different facets of Tartu, ranging from the city's architecture and social life to contemporary cultural phenomena. The museum offers guided tours and city tours, during which guides take participants on exciting journeys through Tartu's districts. These excursions are suitable for both local enthusiasts and visitors who wish to learn more about Tartu. The museum's premises can also be rented for various events. Come experience the story of Tartu through its people, places, and memories.

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