The best of Viljandi walking tour
Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Viljandi is tucked within southern Estonia’s forest, a hidden destination for lovers of culture and nature. It boasts a scenic natural panorama, and it is the heart of European folk culture. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Is the legend about the Boatman of Viljandi true? Is it true that the city hosts an annual summer music festival? Also, is it true that the city has a manor that was built in the 16th century? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Viljandi. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most out of it!
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1
Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate
The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is a semi-autonomous church under the canonical jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, whose primate is nominated by the latter's Holy Synod. It is Estonia's largest Eastern Orthodox church. It is also the legal heir to the pre-World War II Estonian Orthodox Church under Estonian legislation.
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2
Viljandi vana veetorn
The Old Water Tower in Viljandi, which once served as the town's water storage facility and is currently being used as an observation tower, is a prominent feature of the city's skyline. It served as the water tower when it was constructed in 1911 and remained in use until September 1962. Later, in 2001, the tower was turned into an observation tower with views over Viljandi's historic center, its primeval valley, and its lake. A permanent display of the recent history of the city is also located on the third floor of the tower.
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3
Viljandi Museum
The displays of the town's history up to the middle of the 20th century are kept in the Viljandi Museum. The exhibition booth showcasing nature has a range of plush animals. Numerous archaeological discoveries have also provided a glimpse into prehistory. To further reflect the Middle Ages, there is a replica of the Viljandi Order Castle filled with various artifacts from that time period. Additionally, there is a model of a threshing room, as well as an exhibition of traditional clothing and jewelry, which presents folk culture. In the area for temporary exhibits, there is also an overview of local life and events in the 19th and 20th centuries, along with the various exhibitions.
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4
Kondase Keskus
Since its founding in 2003, the Kondase Center has focused on modern folk art, outsider art, and naivism. It is devoted to Paul Kondas, one of Estonia's most well-known naivists, who lived from 1900 to 1985, and it contains over 200 pieces, including paintings by Kondas as well as other well-known Estonian naivist artists like Hugo Strum (1891-1979) and Linda Lepik (1904-1988), as well as Joann Sostra's wood sculptures (1913-1992). Four rooms on the first floor and a mezzanine, in addition to the permanent display, are used to host both professional and amateur exhibits of modern art.
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5
Equestrian statue of General Johan Laidoner
The General Johan Laidoner equestrian statue is Estonia's first and sole representative of its sort. General Laidoner served as Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Army during the War of Independence. The first honorary citizen of Viljandi is Laidoner, a well-known statesman who was born in the county. Terje Ojaveer is the statue's maker.