Tartu St. Mary’s Church

In 1869, the first joint rehearsal of the Estonian Song Festival choir took place in the Tartu St. Mary’s Church, and the brass band played in the church tower, so we can consider this church as one of the birthplaces of the Estonian nation. The beautiful neoclassical building, designed for the only Estonian congregation since the early 19th century, was designed by Tartu city architect Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Geist. The church was consecrated on January 11, 1842. The church operated for just under 100 years; it was destroyed in 1941 during World War II, along with its museum and valuable archives. Only the walls, the large bell, and some inventory items survived. During the Soviet era, the ruins of the church were replaced with the gymnasium of the Estonian Agricultural Academy, and the surviving parts of the tower zone were demolished. Ownership was returned to the congregation in 2008, after which the former sports hall was converted into a temporary church space. Thanks to supporters and donors, the church tower, tower chapel, and altar have now been restored.
Excursions in this fascinating building take visitors from the cellar to the tower top, telling stories of history, restoration, and grand future plans.

Photo: Are Tralla.