What to do and see in Tarvastu, Viljandi County: The Best Sights & Landmarks

The stronghold is thought to have been constructed on the site of an early Estonian hill fort in the 14th century. It is situated on the slope of a hill next to a picturesque river.On the northern side of the stronghold was a water mill, which also served a strategic purpose in defending access to the fortress. The tower next to the mill likewise served to protect the stronghold. In the fierce battles of the Livonian War the stronghold changed hands many times, and repeated bombing, burning and gunpowder explosions left only the walls of the original structure standing.Situated close to the stronghold is a chapel constructed in the early 19th century in Classicist style.

Situated close to the Tarvastu Order Stronghold is a chapel constructed in the early 19th century in Classicist style. What makes the building unique is its high, pyramid-like roof and porticos on all four sides resting on pairs of columns. Did you know…?*The mausoleum was ordered to be built by the local lady of the manor in memory of her husband. *In order to provide better access to the chapel, a suspension bridge was constructed across the river valley in 1878. This bridge was later gifted to the City of Viljandi and is currently in use in the centre of the city in the hilly area close to the castle ruins.

Lusika tourism farm is located in a beautiful natural setting in Tarvastu municipality, 25 km outside of Viljandi. The farm won the President of Estonia’s award in 1998 for the most beautiful home decoration. Its 1.5-hectare gardens are sure to delight all lovers of gardening. Visitors can also make use of the health tracks and ritual grounds on the farm. Guests are also welcome to join the fasting camps held at the farm.

The oldest elements of the church in Tarvastu date back to the 14th century. The former church consisted of a square-shaped nave and a choir.The church has suffered in numerous wars and in 1771 it received a new appearance under the supervision of Johann Christoph Knaut. The church caught fire after a stroke of lightning in 1892 and its reconstruction was started in 1893, in December of the very same year the consecration of the reconstructed church took place.Interesting to know:· The designer and builder was a school teacher from Poltsamaa - Gustav Heinrich Beermann.· The author of the altar painting “Golgatha” is Theodor Thieme. Organ builder August Terkmann.

The Karstna Lion is one of the most beautiful classicist pieces of art, found in Estonia - a giant cast iron lion, its head with magnificent mane resting on paws, is taking a rest on a huge rock. It was ordered back in 1844 by the son of Reinhold von Anrep, Lieutenant General Joseph von Anrep, to be erected next to his home manor.Good to know:·General Reinhold von Anrep emerged from the Battle of Austerlitz as a Lieutenant General and was killed in action in 1807. ·The sculpture was modelled by a German sculptor, Christian Daniel Rauch.