Here You can see the ruins of the first known brick building in Estonia on top of the Otepää Hill Fort. Herman I, who became the Bishop of Tartu in autumn 1224, established the first stronghold of its diocese here. A settlement, which was mainly populated by craftsmen and merchants, appeared around the bishop’s castle in the 13th century.Interesting facts: * the oldest traces of a settlement on the Fort date back to approximately the change of the system of chronology; in the 11th century, Otepää was the most important stronghold of the ancient Ugandi County; * a metal map of the Estonian strongholds was installed on the Fort Hill in 1937.
This is a four-hour event taking place in the castle, its grounds and other parts of Alatskivi.The day includes:* A guided tour of the castle* A tour of the castle grounds and/or the nearby forest led by a cultural heritage guide, covering the manor-era buildings and other sites* A manor-era meal in the castle restaurantAlatskivi is located in Eastern Estonia, and at first glance the castle seems like something out of a fairytale with its battlements and towers. It is one of the most beautiful manor houses in the country.The minimum size of the group is 4 people.
Jaani Church, located right in the heart of the city, was built in 1816 according to the design of architect Christoph Haberland and it is the only church in Estonia with an oval ground plan. The unique organ has been preserved in its original shape and it is the only instrument built by Friedrich Ladegast still left in Estonia.Interesting facts: * the organ is one of the 200 best organs in Europe; * music can be heard from the church’s bell tower at midday and midnight.
The Kütimäe cemetery was founded in 1872 by the owners of Rutikvere Manor, the Pistohlkorses. As the German cemetery in Põltsamaa lacked enough space, the landlords had to establish a private cemetery. To build it, the farmers had to make an artificial mound in Kütimäe. According to legend, this hill was built for two years and the soil was transported by horses.In 1873, a cemetery wall, a three-part gate, and a neo-Gothic chapel were also built. The chapel is decorated with the arms of the Pistohlkorses.The exact number of people buried in the cemetery is unknown. The cemetery is still operating today and is maintained by the Põltsamaa Municipality.
One of the most important battles of the War of Independence took place near the Paju Manor on 31 January 1919. The Northern Sons Regiment that consisted of Finnish volunteers also fought for the independence of Estonia over here. The most legendary commander in the War of Independence, Lieutenant Julius Kuperjanov, was fatally injured in the battle. The battle memorial is a granite pillar on a three-level pyramid, which was reopened on the 75th anniversary of the battle on 30 January 1994.Interesting facts: * the memorial was opened by President of the Republic of Estonia Lennart Meri; * a memorial tablet to the Northern Sons who fell in the battle can be found on the wall of the Valga Jaani (St John’s) Church.
The Monument of Nation is the oldest monument in Tartu. The bones buried under the floor and in the cemetery of St Mary’s Church were found when the main building of the University of Tartu was built on the former site of the church. In 1806 they were reburied in Toomeorg near Vallikraavi Street and the small square Monument to People, which was created according to the drawings of J W Krause and resembles the tomb monuments of Asia Minor (Lykia), was erected there in 1811. The human bones found in the course of archaeological work in the cellars of the main building of the University of Tartu were buried by the monument’s side that faces street on 20 September 1985. A case with information was also buried in the grave.
Rõuge Kunstikuur is a unique place that sells a wide range of local handicrafts that artists have put their hearts and souls into. Everyone will find something that interests them here. In addition to selling products, it also organises exciting workshops, exhibitions, and courses for children in the summer.But seeing is believing – come and see for yourself!
Avinurme Woodworking Centre is a tourism centre which is home to local craftsmen. It offers the widest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, including dozens of sauna and household items. You can even put your own skills to the test! The centre organises a variety of workshops, from basket-weaving and felting to bread-making, candle-making, painting and more. The cosy coffee shop offers home-made cakes and pastries, fresh bread and other treats. Arranged in advance, it can provide catering for groups of up to 80 people.