EELC Roosa Jacob’s Church

There is a remarkable historicist Orthodox church with quarrystone and brick walls and five onion-cupolas in Nõo small borough.The Nõo Congregation was founded in 1852 for Estonian Orthodox Christians who previously belonged to the Tartu Georgi congregation. The architecturally remarkable church is made of quarrystone and red bricks and has a bell-tower in the western side. It was completed in 1873. The interior architecture of the church is simple and the iconostasis dates back to the late 19th century.Services are held in the Holy Trinity Church in Nõo on the second Saturday of each month.

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.

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.

The Helme-Tõrva Apostolic Orthodox Church of the Birth of Christ was built in Valga Street in the years 1903 to 1904. Karl Shurin was in charge of the building work. The two domes and bell tower made the church one of the most imposing churches in the Viljandi Apostolic Orthodox Deanery. The church was seriously damaged during the fierce battles fought in September 1944 and it was only restored in 1990 as a chamber hall.Interesting facts: * the church was also used for salt and cement storage during the Soviet times; * the church-chamber hall currently belongs to the Lutheran church.

A black granite memorial tablet bearing almost 200 names was installed on the wall of the Valga Jaani (St John’s) Church in 1934 in remembrance of the Finnish volunteers who fell in the Paju Battle of the War of Independence. The polar bear sign of the Northern Sons Regiment is shown on the shield above the stone. In 1940 the memorial tablet was demolished with pickaxes by the order of communists. The memorial tablet was reopened on the 80th anniversary of the Paju Battle in 1999.Interesting facts: * the memorial tablet was opened in 1934 by President Konstantin Päts; * the first table was made in Finland and the second one in Tartu; * donations for the second tablet were collected by Ylistaro Rural Municipality (Finland) at the initiative of Ossi Salo.

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!

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.

Of the Orthodox churches in Võru County, Ritsiku church in Mõniste is the second oldest (dating back to 1855). The oldest is St Catherine's Church in Võru itself.The church in Ritsiku was consecrated in the name of the prophet John the Baptist. Its name day is celebrated by the congregation every year on 24 June.The congregation was established in 1837. The church was constructed from timber and has a tin roof. It was originally known as Mõniste church, since it was located on the lands of the Mõniste estate. But since it was not in Mõniste itself, it was renamed Ritsiku church in Mõniste.The sacristan and parson did a lot of work in educating the local community. Until 1931 the congregation had its own parish school and three smaller schools.