St. Paul’s Church in Tartu

The KGB Cells Museum, known as the "Grey House", is a historical museum in Tartu, where the NKVD/KGB was located in the 1940s and 1950s. The basement of the building, where the cells were located, is open to visitors. Several cells, the punishment cells, and the basement corridor have been restored to their historical form. The prison cells are filled with an exhibition that provides an overview of Estonia's post-war struggle for freedom and the crimes of the communist regime. Here you can see photographs and objects from Siberian prison camps, as well as materials on the history of the Forest Brotherhood and secret resistance organizations. Step into history and experience the meaning of freedom!

Discover the heart of Estonian literature: the Oskar Luts Home Museum in Tartu! The museum is a quiet, charming place that takes you back in time and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Estonia's most beloved writers, Oskar Luts (1887–1953). The museum is located in a functionalist house built in the 20th century, where the author's personal belongings, furniture, manuscripts, and work desk have been preserved. The permanent exhibition reveals Luts's influence on literature, theatre, and film. The authentic atmosphere and warm stories offer a meaningful experience even for those just discovering his name. This is not just a museum, but a home where literature and life meet!

Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"

Tartu's Gothic-style St. John's Church dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Estonia. It is known for its unique terracotta sculptures, which are considered rare in all of Europe. The church once had over 1,000 handmade terracotta statues; about 200 have survived. Each sculpture is different, which has led to speculation that they may depict Tartu's former inhabitants or other important people. The tower of St. John's Church offers a wonderful view of the entire historic old town of Tartu. It houses two bronze bells, called Peter and Paul. On the last Sunday of every month, the church holds a service in English!

Karula Church has been working in the converted manor granary since 1997. The most special feature of the church is the stained glass painting 'Eucharist' of Estonian artist Dolores Hoffmann which depicts local people as the disciples against the background of the holly landscape of Karula.The doors of the Karula Church are open to visitors during Sunday services. Please contact a representative of the congregation if you wish to visit the church some other time. Interesting facts: • The same building was used as an animal barn during the Soviet times. • The stained glass painting was donated to Karula Church by the descendants of the German squires the von Grotes.

The patron saint of the Värska Orthodox Church is St. George. The most important church holiday is St. George's Day, which is celebrated in Setomaa on May 6 and culminates with the afternoon kirmaski, or village party. The church was built with money from the community, and the original iconostasis from the beginning of the 20th century has been preserved, part of which is an icon of St. George painted on a tree in the 17th century. The church also has several handmade holy shawls. Värska cemetery is next to the church, and several important Seto cultural figures are buried there.

The University of Tartu's main building is a truly remarkable and historically significant structure located in Tartu's Old Town. The building was designed by the university's architect, Johann Wilhelm Krause, and constructed between 1804 and 1809. It was inaugurated with a ceremonial event on July 3, 1809, and since then, it has been the central venue for the university, hosting all important celebrations, scientific and cultural events, and gatherings of the academic community. The main building's classical architecture, with its columned facade and dignified interior, has shaped Tartu as a university town. The main building houses the White Hall, where concerts, conferences, and ceremonial events take place. Another special attraction is the student prison in the attic, which offers an intriguing insight into the strict rules of 19th-century student life. Visitors can also explore the University of Tartu Art Museum in the main building. The main building can also be explored on a guided tour, organized through the University of Tartu Art Museum by prior appointment.

At the Metsavenna Farm located on the Estonian-Latvian border, you have a unique opportunity to search for forest brothers in hiding places during a forest brother hike, stay in a bunker, and listen to true stories.The experience continues at the Metsavenna eatery, where simple yet authentic food from the era is served: boiled potatoes with skins, butter, salt, and juice. The visit concludes with a musical experience – singing the song of the former Härmiku forest brothers' orchestra. Visiting Metsavenna Farm is an engaging and educational journey into the history of forest brotherhood.