Places to visit in Viljandi

Explore the city’s places of interest, with photos, descriptions and addresses.

History & architecture

St. John’s Church in Viljandi

St. John's Church is one of the oldest and most significant churches in Southern Estonia. Its history dates back to the second half of the 15th century: despite wars, fires, and subsequent reconstructions, the building has retained its medieval walls, tower, and historical window openings. The modern interior is complemented by works of art and stained glass, and the good acoustics have made the church a prominent concert venue in Viljandi. A special feature is the carillon of 25 bronze bells in the tower, which sounds over the city daily at 12:00 and 18:00. Thanks to its location near the Castle Hills, the church is easy to include in a walk through the historic center along with the ruins of the Order castle and the suspension bridge.

Pikk tn 6, Viljandi

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Johann Köler Monument

The Johann Köler monument stands in Viljandi's Johann Köler Park and is dedicated to one of the founders of Estonian national painting. Born in Viljandi County, Köler studied and worked in several European art centres and was also active at the Russian imperial court. The memorial's sculptor is Edgar Viies and its architect Rein Luup. The monument offers a chance to learn about an important figure in Estonian art history outside a museum hall. The surrounding park suits a quiet stop while walking around town. The memorial is a standalone work of public art where you can take a closer look at the sculpture's form and its link to local cultural heritage.

Johann Köleri park, Viljandi

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

St. John's Church in Viljandi

St. John's Church in Viljandi is a place of worship of medieval origin on Pikk Street in Viljandi's old town. The church's history goes back to the second half of the 15th century, and its walls have survived wars, fires and rebuilding. Medieval structural parts have been preserved, and inside you can see artworks and stained-glass windows. The church tower holds a carillon of 25 bronze bells whose sound is part of the characteristic soundscape of central Viljandi. St. John's Church also serves as a concert venue and lies close to the castle hills and the old town's footpaths. When visiting the interior, keep services and events in mind.

Pikk tn 6, Viljandi

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Leelotaja Sculpture

The Leelotaja sculpture stands in front of the small building of Viljandi Kesklinna School on C. R. Jakobsoni Street. The memorial site marks where the first song festival of Viljandi County was held and the history of the founding of local societies. Designer Aate-Heli Õun combined a memorial stone with a copy of Lydia Laas's bronze figure of a woman singer. The original sculpture was made in the 1950s, and its model is thought to have been folk culture promoter Laine Mesikäpp. The outdoor work tells of the development of local choral singing and society life. It can be viewed as part of a walk around the town.

C. R. Jakobsoni tn 42a, Viljandi

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

General Johan Laidoner Equestrian Monument

The General Johan Laidoner Equestrian Monument stands on the Castle Hills of Viljandi and commemorates the commander-in-chief of the Estonian forces in the War of Independence. The equestrian statue by sculptor Terje Ojaver is a rare kind of memorial in Estonian public space, centred on a statesman on horseback. Laidoner, who came from Viljandi County, was also the town's first honorary citizen. The monument introduces the history of the defence of Estonian independence and Viljandi's links with that period. The statue stands outdoors and can be viewed on a walk around the Castle Hills. It is a separate memorial, not another name for the Order castle ruins or the suspension bridge.

Lossimäed, Viljandi

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Suure-Jaani St. John's Church

St. John's Church in the town of Suure-Jaani, Viljandi County, is one of the oldest churches in the region. Inside the medieval church you can see furnishings from different eras, including a neo-Gothic altarpiece, a historic ring cross and the Kriisa brothers' organ completed in 1937. The old parsonage ensemble stands beside the church. The building is used as the congregation's church, so being able to view it from outside does not mean free entry at all times. According to local tourist information, interior visits must be arranged in advance.

Järve tn 4, Suure-Jaani linn, Põhja-Sakala vald, Viljandi maakond

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Karksi Primeval Valley and Order Castle Ruins

The Karksi Primeval Valley and Order Castle Ruins are in Karksi-Nuia, Viljandi County, combining historic architectural heritage with a steep-sided valley. The castle hill overlooks the Linnaveski mill pond; the remains of the walls of the medieval Order castle recall the site's former defensive role. St. Peter's Church was later built next to the ruins, and the Lieven burial chapel stands nearby. You can explore the area at your own pace, looking at buildings from different eras and noticing the valley's relief. A trip from Viljandi suits anyone who wants to see both the Mulgimaa landscape and traces of architecture on a single walk.

Lossi tn 4, Karksi-Nuia linn, Mulgi vald, Viljandi maakond

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Lõhavere Lembitu hill fort

Lõhavere Lembitu hill fort is located in Viljandimaa, in Lõhavere village, on a hill surrounded by forest. The ancient stronghold site is associated with Lembitu, the elder of Sakala, and Estonian history of the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, steep slopes and the landforms of the former fortification are visible, and visitors can walk between them. At the foot of the hill, there is a monument to ancient freedom fighters, and information boards introduce the history of the site. The visit takes place outdoors and requires taking natural terrain into account. This is not another name for the ruins of the Order Castle in Viljandi.

Aimla metskond 313, Lõhavere küla, Põhja-Sakala vald, Viljandimaa

Read more →

Show on map

History & architecture

Halliste St. Anne's Church

Halliste St. Anne's Church is located in Pornuse village in Viljandi County and is a historic Lutheran sanctuary. The oldest stone parts of the church date back to the Middle Ages, but the building has repeatedly suffered from wars and fires. After the 1959 fire, the church stood in ruins for decades until it was restored in 1991. The interior features a remarkable black ceiling and an altarpiece created by Jüri Arrak. It is an active congregation church, and interior visits must be arranged in advance. This is a separate site from the churches in Suure-Jaani and Viljandi town.

Halliste kirik, Pornuse küla, Mulgi vald, Viljandimaa

Read more →

Show on map

Showing 9 of 14