- Address: Jaani 5, 51007 Tartu, Estonia;
- Website: jaanikirik.ee;
- Phone: +372 744 2229;
- Operating time: Mon. - Sat. from 10:00 to 19:00.
One of the oldest churches in Estonia is the Church of St. John in Tartu , built in the Gothic style in the XIV century. It is recognized as a unique architectural monument, because it contains a huge number of terracotta sculptures. Up to the present day more than 1000 pieces have survived, each of which has more than 700 years of age.
Church Attractions
The original terracotta details of baked clay can be seen not only inside the building, but also outside. Such a quantity of decor is not found in any temple throughout Europe. The Church of St. John is the dominant cultural district of the city and is a basilica with three naves. In the walls are made niches, which are the statues of the 12 evangelists, as well as the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
Until now, not all sculptures have reached, so in the niches at the main wall you can contemplate the statues of crowned rulers. Another composition is located near the main nave. She displays the group with Jesus sitting on the throne surrounded by saints. Walking around the building, you can understand why the building is fanned with mystical rumors, because the facade looks at people very unusual figures and people.
History of the Church
The first wooden building appeared in Tartu at the end of the 12th or the beginning of the 13th century, but soon after the conquest of the territory the Order of the Swordmen erected a brick temple. The first mention of the church of St. John the Baptist dates back to 1323. Of all the parts of the most ancient is a massive tower, the foundation of which is wooden rafts.
After the Reformation and the liquidation of the Dorpatian bishopric, the church became Lutheran. During the Northern War, the upper part of the tower was destroyed, as well as the vaults of the choirs and the central nave. The global reconstruction of 1820-1830 led to the fact that most of the interior was destroyed, and some sculptures were walled.
They managed to get to them after the restoration of the facade started under the guidance of architect Bokslaf. The church was completely burnt during the Second World War, and in 1952 the central nave collapsed, but the restoration work began only in 1989 and continued until 2005. Today the Church of St. John is an active temple and an important tourist attraction of Tartu.
Useful information for tourists
To visit the church, you need to know a few rules. Firstly, for single tourists entry is free, but groups are charged one euro each. One of the favorite entertainments of visitors is to climb to the observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the historic center of the city. When going to Tartu in winter, you should apply in advance in order to go upstairs. Those who climb the observation deck, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol or touch the walls with your hands. For children under 14 years old, the entrance to the unaccompanied tower is closed.
Those who have already visited the church are advised to go around the building around to find amusing faces on the facade. Interesting photos are obtained on the background of a house with a dragon, located next to the church. The temple is open for visits from Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Monday and Sunday. Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. In the summer, the working day is extended by one hour.
Interestingly, during the archaeological excavations under the church was discovered a tomb dating from the 12th century. The temple is used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a concert venue. It is here that the Winter Music Festival takes place for a week, with performances by solo musicians and famous opera singers.
How to get there?
The church is located at: Jaani, 5. You can get to the temple by public transport, for example, by bus number 8 or number 16.