‘Tartu City Manors’ Guided cycling tour

Põltsamaa Museum is located within the walls of the ancient Põltsamaa Ordensburg. Põltsamaa Museum gives an overview of the glorious past of the stronghold, town and the parish: Interesting facts: During the Livonian War the castle was the residence of the King of Livonia In the 19th century the castle was a Rococo style castle, a flourishing centre of culture and industry.

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.

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!

Luke Manor invites you to discover the historical architecture of its former knight's manor and the enchanting park, where you can find the stylish dollhouse-like Kärnerimaja, which has an information point, an exhibition introducing the manor, and a café in the summer. The restored Governor's House adds historical depth to the manor complex. The water fountain and the pavilion's view of the ponds invite you to immerse yourself in the romance of the manor era. The manor's terraces, an alley of uniquely shaped trees, and the concrete lion statues on the stairs (a favorite with the youngest visitors) create a unique and majestic atmosphere. At Luke Manor, you can organize a seminar, take a tour, attend a concert, or tinker in the craft workshop!

The Tartu Art Museum is located in one of the most special buildings in the Town Hall Square – the leaning house of Tartu. This prominent building, built in 1793, leans 5.8 degrees, which is even more than Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tartu Art Museum is the heart of Estonian contemporary art, showcasing 20th and 21st-century art, modern themes, and creative thinking. Here are the works of Estonia's top artists as well as exhibitions featuring international artists. The museum builds bridges between the past and present, addressing important societal issues and providing a thought-provoking experience to visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts guided tours, virtual tours, and workshops that make the art experience even more meaningful and vibrant. The building also houses a museum shop where art books, work by local artists, and souvenirs can be found. Tartu Art Museum is an ideal place to visit for both art enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy beautiful architecture and an inspirational environment. Walk in, and see what's on display right now!

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 Peipsi County Museum introduces the life of the Old Believers, the kitchen and church culture, and the life and work of the world-famous icon painter Pimen Sofronov from the local village of Tiheda. Samovars, "podrushniks", icons, "lestovkas" are worth seeing. You can buy souvenirs and handicrafts related to the culture and nature of Peipsi, as well as sweets, tea mixtures and other local products. A guided tour introducing the Old Believers and the Ivan Chai tea ceremony can be booked in advance. With a museum ticket, you can also visit the Peipsi Järve Elu room with a permanent exhibition located next door.

Adavere manor was first mentioned in records in the second half of the 17th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Adavere was under the rule of Põltsamaa castle, which governed all of the surrounding land and villages as the most important town in Central Estonia.Its massive slate main building was constructed between 1892 and 1893. The complex also includes outbuildings erected in the late 19th century – a workers' cottage and a barn with a drying shed. Manor park (dating from the 1740s) was one of the grandest in Estonia in its day, although little remains of its glory today. Good to know:* Today, the building is home to Adavere Basic School. During winter, you can go skating in the skating rink on the school stadium.* The manor can only be viewed from the outside.