St Paul’s Church
St Paul’s Church takes part in Open House Tartu. Admission is free. No registration needed - just turn up.
- Address
- Riia tänav 27, Tartu, Eesti
- Open
- Sat, 19. September; Sun, 20. September
- Tours
- Sat, 19. September: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 | Sun, 20. September: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
- Tour languages
- eesti, English
- Architects
- 1913–1917, Eliel Saarinen
- Tour length
- 45–60 min
- Max. visitors
- 25
Tartu St. Paul’s Church is one of Estonia’s most remarkable 20th-century sacred buildings and the country’s only Art Nouveau church. Designed by the Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, it was built between 1913 and 1917. The building blends National Romantic and modern architectural features. Defined by a cruciform floor plan, the church features a powerful tower – which visitors can explore during the tour – and a spacious, light-filled sanctuary. The church suffered severe damage and burned down during World War II. During the Soviet era, the building was repurposed for several decades, housing at different times a branch of the Estonian Sports Museum and the archives of the Estonian National Museum, though church activities continued as well. Following the restoration of Estonia’s independence, the building underwent extensive restoration. In 2015, the fully renovated church was rededicated, and today it serves an active Lutheran congregation. Today, Tartu St. Paul’s Church is a key venue for services, concerts, and cultural events, as well as one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
The venue is partially accessible by wheelchair or mobility aids, as the tower is unfortunately accessible by stairs only. Entrance to the tower is by voluntary donation (suggested donation: 2€).
Outdoors in front of the main entrance
Open House Tartu