St Michael’s Lutheran Church in Räpina

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.

You are welcome to admire the Gothic red brick house of God (architect Wilhelm Schilling). The Church of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the only Roman Catholic church in Tartu. The cornerstone was placed in 1862 and the church was consecrated in 1899. You will find the painting "Virgin Mary with Jesus" (1905) by Ernst Friedrich von Liphardt and a large crucifix carved of lime tree (1935) in the high-vaulted church.Interesting facts: - even Tsar Nicholas II donated 3000 roubles for the construction of the church in 1894 when Priest Friedrich Zhyskar started raising funds for building the 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.

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’).

An orthodox congregation was established in Tartu in 1845 and Priest Joosep Shestakovski (1856–1888) initiated the building of an orthodox church. Tartu Saint George the Martyr Church was built using donations from the congregation and it was consecrated in honour of Saint George by Bishop of Riga and Mitav Benjamin in 1870.

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).

Jaani Church, located right in the heart of the city, was built in 1816 according to the design of architect Christoph Haberland and it is the only church in Estonia with an oval ground plan. The unique organ has been preserved in its original shape and it is the only instrument built by Friedrich Ladegast still left in Estonia.Interesting facts: * the organ is one of the 200 best organs in Europe; * music can be heard from the church’s bell tower at midday and midnight.

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.