There are plenty of things to enjoy in South Estonia! More than 140 historical and cultural objects (of which about 60 are museums, visitor centers, theaters, etc.) constitute truly interesting and diverse composition of the local historical and cultural heritage. From an architectural point of view, South-Estonian churches, manor houses (e.g., Taagepera Castle in Valga County, Mooste manor in Põlva County, Raadi manor in Tartu, etc.), and ancient castles (the ruins of Viljandi castle, the ruins of the Tartu Dome Cathedral in on the Dome Hill, the ruins of the Castle Hill in Rõngu etc.) deserve to be highlighted.
Also located in South Estonia is the research and cultural center of Estonia - the city of Tartu. Tartu University, which started its operation in 1632, is one of the oldest in Northern Europe. In addition to the museums, the sights of the city are also all the churches, the Angel's Bridge and the Devil's Bridge, the Town Hall of Tartu and the Town Hall Square, the ruins of the Dome Cathedral together with the museum of the history of Tartu University and more.
During the summer in the Southern Estonian counties, plenty of all sorts of cultural events, fairs, open air events, concerts and festivals take place. A number of folk festivals (Viljandi Folk Music Festival, Võru Folklore Festival), and sports competitions (the four-event of the Tartu marathon, the Championship Cup stages of cross-country skiing, etc.) have become consistent and traditional events. An important part of the city of Tartu is the organized events, many of which are internationally and/or regionally significant (such as the Hanseatic Days, a literary festival "Prima Vista", Tartuffe Film Festival, theater festival "Drama", Student Days and many others).
However, not only are the museums, architecture, attractions and events a part of the South Estonian culture, also people here are very special. Apparently there is no other region of Estonia that the diversity of cultures would be as large - Mulks, Setos (with their preserved language) and the Old Believers of Peipus (with the customs and traditions of their own) are wonderful examples. A very important part of the cultural heritage is also the South Estonian language with its vernaculars used to a different extent - Mulk (ca. 1000 speakers), Tartu (about 1000 speakers), Seto (about 5000 speakers) and Võru (about 70 000 speakers) languages.
Come and see for yourself!
Have a look! South Estonia. Culturally Yours. A guide for culture and history lovers 2014
Read! Tartu & Southern-Estonia newsletter: December 2013-March 2014, November 2012 - March 2013, October 2011-March 2012 and Summer 2014, Summer 2013, Summer 2012, Summer 2011 .
South-Estonia events Look here!
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