Tartu Cathedral

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.

The big beautiful prayer house in Varnja Village on the shores of Lake Peipus was funded and built by the congregation itself. Most of the many icons of the prayer house date back to the start of the 20th century.Visitors can only enter the church with a reservation.The cost of a single visit for a group starts from 50 euros. Visitors get an interesting overview of the life and history of the Old Believers from a local guide who is also an Old Believer. The excursion may last for about an hour - the visit and a warm experience are worth it!Reminder: Women are asked to enter the prayer house with a covered head.We ask you not to take photos or videos in the prayer house.

The Uue-Saaluse manor, that was built in 1540, has had many owners, the first one being Reinhold Salis, after whom the manor is also named.The heart of the manor is in a beautiful place on a hill on the eastern shore of Lake Kavadi. The manor belonged to the von Maydell family from 1843 to 1919, when it was dispossessed.The Saaluse manor was nationalised after that, land was divided among those, who participated in the War of Independence, and the manor staff, until their own houses were built. Later the building was used for public festivals, as a school for two years and then as a community centre, which also housed a shop.Only ruins remain of the manor.

28,000 silver roubles were donated towards the construction of this Lutheran church by Russian empress Catherine II. It was blessed on 24 July 1793, when it received the name 'Catherine'. It is thought that the church - which was designed in early classicist style with baroque roots and which boasts stunning arched windows - was designed by the architect Christoph Haberlandt from Riga. Renovations in 1879 saw its tower receive a new dome, and a four-faced clock was also installed. The church has an organ built by the Kriisa brothers in 1913. You can visit the church on Sundays during mass times.

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.

Otepää St Mary's Lutheran Church is one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering, all those interested in culture and history should definitely pay a visit. Otepää St Mary's Lutheran Church is historically connected to the national flag of Estonia. The blue, black and white flag of the Estonian Student Union, which later became the national flag and in 1991 the official flag of the state of Estonia, was consecrated in the rectory of the church on 4 June, 1884. The church has a neo-gothic altarpiece "Christ on the Cross" which dates from 1880, and a Kessler organ from 1853. In summer, the doors of the church are open to everyone.

The ruins of Rõngu Vassal Castle are located in Rõngu, Elva Parish, Tartu County, and are among the most fascinating medieval monuments in South Estonia. The castle was likely established in the 14th century as a vassal castle of the Bishop of Tartu and was part of the bishopric's defense system, guarding important roads and the surrounding area. During medieval times, it was a complex of fortified buildings with an inner courtyard enclosed by walls. The castle also housed a chapel, which is mentioned in sources from the early 15th century. The castle lost its significance in the 16th century during the Livonian War when it was destroyed and fell into ruins. Today, the remnants of Rõngu Vassal Castle consist of wall remains located in the picturesque Lossimäe Park. The area is freely accessible and is suitable for walks, exploring history, and photography. The ruins offer an interesting time-travel experience for history enthusiasts and families looking to combine nature outings with cultural heritage exploration.

The church dedicated to St. Martin is located on the Estonian Pilgrim Route, which starts from Pirita Monastery and ends at the Vana-Vastseliina Episcopal Castle. There is also a prayer bench in the churchyard.Come and see one of the oldest parish churches in Estonia. You can also can go to the spire, which offers a unique view of the beautiful Lake Võrtsjärv and the surroundings.Good to know:• The Church participates in the Wayfarers Churches and the Night of Churches projects.• The night battle from the feature film Names on a Marble Slab (2002) was filmed in Rannu Church garden.You can visit the church on Sundays during the service or by prior arrangement.