St. Mary's Church, Tartu

St. Mary's Church in Tartu stands on Pepleri Street and holds an important place in the history of Estonian song festivals. Completed in 1842, the church was the home church of the Estonians of Tartu town and parish, and its congregation included several well-known figures of the national awakening. The first Estonian Song Festival began here in 1869. Damaged in the Second World War, the church building was later used as a sports hall before being returned to the congregation. During restoration the tower has risen again, topped by a gilded rooster. The building's story brings together Tartu's musical, religious and architectural heritage.