• History & Culture
  • Architecture and history

Võru Old Pharmacy building (Steding House)

F. R. Kreutzwaldi tn 15, Võru linn, Võru maakond, 65609

 
In the center of Võru stands the dignified Steding House – a stone building from the 19th century, also known as the Old Pharmacy House.
The walls of the building hide several layers: beneath the plaster layers, stencil paintings and decorations have been found that tell stories of past eras. Unlike sterilely restored museums, Steding House has preserved genuine history – it is a building that shows its layers and carries the memories of the city. One wall is adorned with hand-formed ceramic tiles (author Kristel Sihiveer). The eclectic interior is from reuse.
Today, Steding House is a meeting place for the community and guests. There is a café; art exhibitions, concerts, and movie nights are organized; additionally, creative and service enterprises find a home here. In summer and on weekends, the house is especially lively – a buzzing crowd on the terrace, and nighttime entertainment offered in the basement.
Steding House is both a sight and a vibrant cultural center – a place where a visitor can experience the unique atmosphere of the city of Võru.

Amenities

  • Free parking

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Italian food and culture workshop – a journey to the world of pizza

Great Italian flavours from the open kitchen-dining room of the MyItaly Food Studio! A real experience and catering in the loving Italian way! Ten years of experience! The PIZZA workshop includes an in-depth theoretical part of making pizza, preparing a three-course menu, and eating it:• appetiser: classic mix of meat, cheese, pesto, focaccia.Olives, pesto, chillies stuffed with tuna, artichokes.• Main course: PIZZA• Dessert: fruit and a sweet cannoli with sheep’s milk ricotta.Other workshops and menus for children can be found here.

  • Pet friendly

Antonius Boutique Hotel

In the heart of Tartu, opposite the main building of the University of Tartu, you will find the elegant, luxurious Antonius Hotel. The interior of this historic building is furnished with valuable antique furniture, complemented by modern solutions. Each room has a unique interior! The rooms on the top floor have well-preserved ceiling beams, stone walls, and historical elements to enjoy. The hotel also has a first-class restaurant, where you can pamper yourself with an à la carte dinner and a rich breakfast, or you can choose to enjoy delicious dishes in the comfort of your hotel room. Pets are welcome at the Antonius Hotel!

  • Monuments

The steam engine monument

The year 1886 when the plan to build the Pihkva-Riga railway with a branch from Valga to Tartu became a crucial year in the development of the little town.The steam engine monument erected near the Valga railway station in 1998 celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Pihkva-Valga-Riga rail connection. Engine SU 251-98 was built in the Sormovo Shipyard in 1949. Interesting facts: * the engine weighs 87 tons and its output is 12 tons of steam per hour; * Riga-Pihkva railway was officially opened on 22 July 1889 in Pihkva.

  • Monuments

Petseri Statue of Liberty

The statue for those who perished in the War of Independence in Petseri county stands on the Statue of Liberty Square in Värska. The monument designed by sculptor Roman Haavamägi was supposed to be erected in the heart of the town of Petseri in the summer of 1940, but due to the Soviet occupation that started, the plan was abandoned. Only 80 years later, in 20 July 2020, the restored statue was opened here in Setomaa. The soldier figure was modelled and shaped in granite on the basis of photos by sculptor Tiiu Kirsipuu.The Statue of Liberty of Petseri was erected in remembrance of those nearly 350 Estonian soldiers who fell in the War of Independence in Petseri County, as well as the importance of the Tartu Peace Agreement for the Setos.

Tartu Katariina House

When walking in the Old Town of Tartu, head also for the other side of the riverbanks where you will see the early classicist Pistohlkors or Katariina House. It is a building from the 18th century that used to belong to Lieutenant WC von Pistohlkors. The interior design of the building’s hall in the style of Louis XVI is worth special attention. Tartu Town Museum is currently located in Katariina House.Interesting facts: - people know the house as Katariina House. There is a legend according to which Empress of Russia Catherine II (Katariina in Estonian) stayed in this house. However, there is no truth in the legend. - The house was designed by famous architect JHB Walter, who also designed the Town Hall of Tartu.

  • Ice Skating

Tartu City Centre Skating Rink

This winter, a skating rink of almost 1,000 square metres will be erected around the Kissing Students fountain on the Town Hall Square, where the most romantic and fun winter entertainment – skating – can be enjoyed under the starry sky.The skating rink can be used free of charge, and both young and old guests can rent skates from the pavilion in the immediate vicinity of the rink on the basis of a price list. You can buy a hot drink and snacks from the cafe .Grab a friend and come and have a good time in the fresh air right in the heart of Tartu!

  • Hiking Trails

Emajõe river shore path

The 4-km Emajõe river shore path starts from the Turu bridge between River Emajõgi and Anne channel, and it runs on the Natura 2000 protection area and offers spacious views of the Anne channel, River Emajõgi, ship and boat traffic, and Karlova harbour.The hiking trail features information boards, riverside picnic areas, and several bridges, you can also meet hobby fishermen there. During spring, the path may be flooded and provides an opportunity to enjoy the views of the flooded meadow. When the trail ends, you can walk the same way back. Another option is to turn left to the gravel road, which leads to the Ihaste cycling and walking road.