Religious site
St. John's Church, Tartu
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
St. John's Church is a striking medieval brick church in Tartu, renowned for its hundreds of hand-molded terracotta sculptures adorning the exterior and interior. Built in the 14th century, it survived wars and neglect, with many original sculptures still in place. The church's interior features a serene atmosphere, with fragments of medieval frescoes and a modern altar. It is one of the oldest churches in Estonia and a masterpiece of Baltic Gothic architecture.
Don't miss
- The hundreds of unique terracotta figures on the exterior and interior walls
- Remnants of medieval frescoes in the chancel
- The peaceful interior, contrasting with the ornate exterior sculptures
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit St. John's Church, Tartu
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSmall Group Walking Tour of Vana Lugu Tartu Old Town4.8★ · 16 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSt. John's Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours4.5★ · 509 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$116 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSt. John's Downtown Walking Tour4.8★ · 229 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$43 per personSee dates →More attractions in Tartu