Värska Church

It is believed that the Raja congregation of Old Believers was established in the first quarter of the 18th century. The congregation was given permission to build its own church only in 1879. The church was destroyed during the Second World War – the only thing left is the belfry. The present worship house has 11 rooms. In 1854–1930 Gavriil Frolov lived in the worship house. He taught children icon-writing, reading and writing in Old-Slavic, also singing based on old musical notation.

Saatse Church was completed in 1801. This congregation has been a mixed congregation of Setos and Russians. Saatse's biggest holiday is St. Paraskeva's Day (the last Friday in July.). Paraskeva means "Friday" in Greek. The church has "royal gates" from the old wooden church, and a 15th century stone cross. The only saint of Seto background is associated with the church: St. Stefanus, a former parish priest, who is depicted in icons in Seto folk costume. In 1919, Stefanus was shot along with Father Vassili, who was also declared a saint.

Baroque architecture in concordance with pseudo Gothic architecture (alteration by Johann Gottfired Mühlhausen). Twelve small spiring pinnacles symbolise the twelve apostles of Jesus. The church manor is a historical parochial centre; there is a museum in the vicarage (built in 1817).

Palamuse Church is one of the oldest medieval churches in northern Tartu County. The church was first mentioned in documents in 1234. As a fortress church, it provided protection from invaders during wars. There is a burial ground around the church, which has two preserved headstones. The unique wooden sculptures on the altar and pulpit date back to 1696. There is a dry-stone painting on the eastern outer wall. Services are held in the church every Sunday at 11 a.m. The church also organises concerts and plays.

Come and take a look at the two-storey St Alexander’s Church in Tartu with its onion domes inspired by old Russian church architecture (architect Vladimir Lunski). Construction of the church started in 1914 and it was re-consecrated in 2003. Interesting facts: - a zinc box with the remains of a saint and a copper plate with a letter have been placed in the cornerstone of Tartu Alexander’s Church. The cornerstone was put in place by Archbishop Ioann during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II on 27 May 1914; - the church was nationalised in 1940 and it was used as a storage building by the University of Tartu and the Estonian National Museum.

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.

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.

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.