The 8 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Valga County, Valga County

The Helme-Torva Apostolic Orthodox Church of the Birth of Christ was built in Valga Street in the years 1903 to 1904. Karl Shurin was in charge of the building work. The two domes and bell tower made the church one of the most imposing churches in the Viljandi Apostolic Orthodox Deanery. The church was seriously damaged during the fierce battles fought in September 1944 and it was only restored in 1990 as a chamber hall.Interesting facts:* the church was also used for salt and cement storage during the Soviet times;* the church-chamber hall currently belongs to the Lutheran church.

The church was built of natural stone and bricks in 1907. Lithuanian and Polish railway workers were actively involved in building the church. The church operated until 1940 and from 1945, the building was used as a warehouse and later as a gym.The extension of the church was built in 1995 and the church was renovated.Interesting facts:* the church does not have a tower as the imperial government of Russia refused to give permission to build one.

Otepaa Maarja Lutheran Church is historically connected to the national flag of Estonia. The blue, black and white flag of the Estonian Student Union, which later became the national flag and in 1991 the official flag of the state of Estonia, was consecrated in the rectory of the church on 4 June 1884. Pay attention to the bar reliefs commemorating the event next to the entrance of the church and the interior with its English-style neo-gothic décor. Maaraj Church was given its current appearance in the middle of the 19th century. The doors of the church are open to everyone in summer. Services are held at 11 am on Sundays.

This simple but beautiful wooden church, with its Classicist interior, was constructed in 1860.The altar and pulpit are in pseudo-Gothic style.Did you know…?*Karu church is one of the few remaining wooden churches in Estonia today*Its bell tower dates from 1771*During the most recent renovations the ball and cross on the tower were gilded *Fascinating historical material has been found within the ball on the church tower*The church regularly hosts concerts