Pärnu Walking Tours by Visit Parnu

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Come and enjoy the green shadows of the park, the charming and magnificent old villas, the air full of joyful sounds from the glittering sea and the magic of local artists. Let yourself be seduced by the smell of fresh pastry spreading from cafés on to the streets.

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The friendly and fascinating atmosphere of Pärnu seaside resort is waiting to be discovered.

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The summer capital doesn`t loose its charm in winter, it just changes the colour.

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RIIA Aija, Turundustugi, Annika Haas, Indrek UK Toomas Olev, Jaak Nilson, Margit Kurvits, MN T E KO Luik Kati Vaas, Urmas OL VÄI K

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Association and Pärnu Museum. A Texts by from „Avasta Pärnu K P OOLiina Hansen and E I omal käel“ LI R-S ST (2003)

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Ally yourself with one of our guides and your walking tour will be even more insightful! PIKK For booking a guide, please call Pärnu Visitor Center at +3724473000 TU or write atK info@visitparnu.com I

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JÕE JÕE80011 Pärnu Uus VÄIKE-4, -JÕE +372 4473 000, info@visitparnu.com SUURphone

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Pärnu Visitor Center

Turn the page to see the other maps of the walking tours PIKK

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IT SeconNext to Koidula Park, thereI is the former Boys’ ÖDinOO1875. L was completed Ö MI dary School. The building It U S NG MU currently houses the Elementary School of Kuninga A MURU S EED Street of Pärnu. The strict Neo-Renaissance brick building influenced by symmetrical featuresRI of postClassicistic architecture was built in 1870-1875. The”Alexander Boulevard” lined with Dutch cottonwood trees used to take you all the way from here to the post 10

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11 The former Boys` Secondary ULI School and MU the gym of the downtown schools, Kuninga 29

More information about Pärnu!

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Lydia Koidula Monument

Welcome to discover Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia!

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Seegi House, Hospidali 1

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Before reaching the Koidula Park, you`ll walk pastSI the T Hotel Victoria and restaurant Café Grand. The LOO commercial building complex built in 1923 also includes a courtyard house and a romantic sales pavilion. In 1928 according to O.Siinmaa`s project it was redesigned into a hotel (Grand Hotel) with the cafeteria Café IK Grand on the ground floor. IS PÕ

In the middle of a beautiful park you`ll find the statue of Lydia Koidula, the famous poetess and writer during the Estonia`s first awakening time. She is also the author of the first play in Estonian language. The statue of Lydia Koidula (maiden name Lydia Emilie Florentine Jannsen; 1843-1886) was made in 1929 by sculptor Amandus Adamson and remained his last piece of work.

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From the courtyard of the Red Tower you can make your way to Seegi House (the Almshouse) in Hospidali Street. There was a building on this site already in the 13th century, thus being the oldest building site in Pärnu. The house acquired its present form in 1658 and started to function as an almshouse and a hospital poorhouse. The house has been renovated in the 17th century style. In 1999 it opened its doors as medieval restaurant Seegi Maja.

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9 Hotel Victoria, Kuninga 25

RESORT TOWN M

ÄE In 1835, Pärnu was removed from the list of fortress towns, the fortification walls were demolished and the city developed rapidly beyond its former borders. Pärnu as a resort town was about to flourish. In 1838, the first bathing establishment opened its doors MÄ here.

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ga Street was built in 1696 –1700. In 1762, the house was purchased by a merchant and an alderman, Jacob Jacke. The first consular office (Swedish) in Pärnu was also opened in the building. The merchant’s office operated here until the company closed down in 1939.

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FORTRESS CITY

In the 17th century, during the Swedish period, Pärnu became a town surrounded by a very modern system of fortifications protecting the property of the Swedish Kingdom. After the Great Northern War (1700-1721) it served as a marine fortress protecting the western border of the Russian Empire.

This is the only defence tower left from medieval Hanseatic city of New-Pärnu. The tower got its name RÄÄMAand outside. by the red lining covering both its inside RÄÄMAIn 1624, the tower had four floors and a six meter deep prison floor. Three floors have been preserved. Red Tower was restored in 1973-1980 without its original brick lining. Nowadays it is housing a crafts workshop and KALaDAgallery (Arts and crafts walking tour no 3).

Kuninga 28. The rubble stone building at 28 Kunin-

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Acoustical music. Several different instruments!

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Music Chamber and Heini’s Instrument Repair: +372 5691 2950, +372 506 7162, soo7@hot.ee

15 Residential and commercial building,

HANSEATIC CITY

In the beginning of 14th century Pärnu became a member of the Hanseatic League. Pärnu port played an important role in the trade between Hanseatic towns in the West TAM ME and Russia in the East. OJ A

KAEVU K century prison at southeast corner of city wall. a PÕI 15th

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+372 5374 5424, +372 5558 3819, jaanikakeskyla@gmail.com Creative children’s clothes, knitted and crocheted toys. Marika’s Quilting Room: +372 5662 3843, marika@marikarose.ee

The horizontal beam building located at 26 Kuninga Street was probably built at the beginning of the 18th century when Pärnu was under the jurisdiction of Russia. During that period it was prohibited to use stones for construction outside St. Petersburg, the imperial capital of Russia.

Chamber of Children’s Clothes and Toys:

Kuninga 26.

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MMthe place of present Pärnu and by the Settlements at E rivers here were first documented in 1154 by an Arab OJAgeographer al-Idrisi. First written document mentioning Pärnu dates from 1251. City rights were granted to Pärnu ROH in 1318. U

Behind the gate opening to Hommiku Street, there is

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on this street. The house has been reconstructed several times. This is a typical Baroque style merchant’s house with a mantel chimney and a symmetrical ground plan. The building was restored in 1978 – 1982 in the 18th century style.

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OJAStreet, there is a first On the corner of Rüütli and Ringi building which was built outside the city wall – the former Girl´s College, built in 1866. Later, the building was turned into a commercial building and an annex, the city drugstore was erected. During the Soviet time the building was used as a club for Soviet officers.

16 Red Tower

Walking down Aia Street past Pärnu Museum (see A find yourself on ÄÄMwill the creative trail No. V15), ANA-Ryou Rüütli Square. The site of Pärnu Hotel used to be the location of the former building of Endla Theatre. This A fact is remembered by stone in front of RÄÄaMmemorial ENIAia Street. theJ.Vhotel On 23 February 1918, “The . JANNSin Declaration of Estonian Independence” was read out on the balcony of the theatre building RU for the first time. IKE-Aevent, On the 90th anniversary ofVÄthis the Statue of Liberty resembling the now destroyed theatre house balcony was placed on Rüütli Square. On the river side of theALsquare, you will see the pompous bank building A -JÕEK D in 1939. The location of the former station SUURconstructed house on the side of the bank building is designated by a steam locomotive built in 1911 and a flatcar built in 1913. Both objects were placed there on the 110th anniversary of the opening of the first Estonian narrowgauge railway (line Pärnu-Valga).

8 Former Merchants Houses in Baroque style in Kuninga Street SENI N N A J . .V KuningaJ 24 is the address of the oldest stone house

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kadri.rebane @ mail.ee. National and medieval costumes, costume rental. Silk painting, printed fabrics, handloom textiles, tapestry. Eddi Pottery: +372 5648 8714, info@potitehas.ee SAUGA-JÕEKALDA Hand thrown stoneware pottery. Endla’s Design: +372 516 7214, endla3@gmail.com Clothes made from recycled material, jewelry, accessories. HAA514 Rebase Puu ja Kivi Koda: +372 PSAL7303, Upaper). MNT hjalmarnelk@hot.ee. Art of Weaving (wickers and Hand-cut stones with an embossed pattern. Raina’s Wool Pictures: +372 506 6088, raina.subi@mail.ee. Wall pictures Kand ESKjewelry in needle loom felt technique. Dry plant material settings. Doll House: +372 5560 0434, nukukoda@gmail.com Making of dolls. Kolme Loovusekamber: LUHA +372 5669 3471, tagetal@gmail.com. Polymer clay jewelry, crocheting, weaving, SOOfelting, macramé, woodblock printing. Leeda’s Carpet House: +372 5360 6051, leeda.ots@gmail.com, handloom interior textiles. Signe’s Leather House: +372 5349 2615, MEREKAL DA signetaremaa@hot.ee. Leather tapestries, bowls, furniture, art of bookbinding, jewelry. Kirsti’s Jewelry: +372 5665 3077, kirstituum@gmail.com Artistic jewelry in enamel paint technique made of precious metal. ADAMA Ene 7 TEE Asja: +372 553 3956, risoene@hot.ee. Ties, dolls, KAUBAS bags, scarves and other textile works of art. 2 VAASI: +372 5646 0045, kati@vaasvaas.ee. Wooden hand painted home furnishing accessories, souvenirs, gifts. Spinning Room: +372 521 8299, julika@jaanitalu.eu Hand-carded and spun wool yarn dyed with plants. Margit’s Clay Workshop: +372 528 0082, margitk@hot.ee Hand-molded ceramics, miniature sculptures.

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herdiselmend@hotmail.com. Felting in different techniques.

Kadri’s Textile Workshop: +372 5558 8187,

Situated opposite the former Boys’ Secondary School, there is the historic Orthodox Church of Transfiguration PII RI of Our Lord. The cross shaped building was completed in 1904. The church belongs under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The interior of A the church contains iconostasis with 11 iconsLIKand wall L A paintings with ARU AK 11 figural compositions. TE VÄLJ

Herdis’ Felt Workshop: +372 553 6321

Taking the turn to Kuninga Street brings the tower of st.Elizabeth Church into the sight. The church is a popular concert place and its organs are considered to be among the best in Estonia. The church was built in 1744-1747 and is now one of the most outstanding HAV ecclesiastical buildings in Estonia. St.Elizabeth`s LIN I Church in 1750 and was Udedicated DA was inaugurated US -S to St.Elizabeth in honour of the Russian Empress AUG A Elizabeth, who had financed the construction. The oldest theatre house of the town, called „Küün (Barn)”, ER JA ANGchurch. was located by the south wall of the

ANCIENT HOME

Pärnu is the ancient home of Estonians. One of the first human settlements in Estonia by the Pärnu river – Pulli ROH back to 9000 – 8500 BC. settlement site – dates U

On the corner of Rüütli and Hommiku Street, you’ll find ILVEconstructed SE an interesting Gothic style brick building in two phases: in 1890s, the corner part of Rüütli and Hommiku Streets was built, and by 1904, the extension along Rüütli Street was completed. At different times, the building has accommodated shops, a warehouse, residential premises, a cafeteria, a casino, a hotel and ALLIKAoffice spaces. Today, Hotel Bristol and shops are operaALLIKA ting in the house.

12 Orthodox Church of Transfiguration of Our Lord, Aia 5

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The workshops of the guild:

The walk along the Vee Street brings you to the Tavern Postipoiss, which serves Slavic food. Although the house looks like a tavern, it is originally built in 1834 in a typical Russian butcher-shop style. In 1844, the house was redesigned into a post station for mail couriers on UUS horse backs. -S The building was renovated in 1978.

14 Former Girls` College, Rüütli 40

KIT in Mary Guild of Pärnu was mentioned SE VAN Magdalene written A-S documents in the end of the 15th century. During Athe UGA 16th century, it was turned into a guild of artisans. The house with its workshops located on different floors and levels is exciting to explore. It brings together a large number of craft artists of Pärnu. Here you can watch masters at work, buy orLOO order their artKA or become an artist yourself. Open DE KU workshops are welcoming participants on the second A Saturday of each Mmonth. For private lessons, time I should be previously agreed upon with the masters. V AN

6 Tavern Postipoiss, Vee 12

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Tue- Fri 11-17, S 11-15, +372447 1901 info@maarjamagdaleenagild.ee, www.maarjamagdaleenagild.ee

road to Riga. Heads of State, ministers etc. of Estonian OJA Republic have attended the Boys’ Secondary School. JA O There is a memorial plate for them in the entrance hall. In front of the school house, a weeping elm has been planted in memory of Jüri Vilms, an Estonian statesman (1889-1918). Also the bust of Estonian chess player Paul Keres (1916-1975) is located there. The gym built in this millennium, with its windows reflecting the old school house, and its walls penetrated only by small LI Vglass-covered holes glowing in the OO SII dark, is a perfect RIM ILVESE complement to the historic school building.

2 Mary Magdalene Guild, Uus 5,

a protection against storms, the moat as a winter port.SA In 2010, Vallikäär received a new look: now there are illuminated walking paths on the rampart, a beautiful fountain TU in the middle of the moat and a wonderful park toRUattract holidaymakers. Near the gate there is a model of the Pärnu fortress city, presenting the city of that time period, its fortifications and what’s left of it. The model is a part of the walking tour concentrating on the 15th to 19th century fortifications of Pärnu.

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AHHall Visitor Centre, you Across the KIT street from Town SE only remaining Ecross beam building in can see the the city centre with its steep pitched roof and a lattice gable. The building was constructed in 1738 -1740. The house displays the history of the government of Pärnu, the prominent people of the city, the twin cities of Pärnu and the historic Hanseatic cities. VAH

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Wed - Thu 12-18, outside visiting hours and for groups: please contact +372 444 8149, www.parnu.ee V

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1 Citizen’s House, Nikolai 8,

Historic city centre

Pärnu is a city UUSwhere you can both enjoy the art of real masters and -SAalso try to be creative yourself. In UGA life of the town, there are the heart of the culture Endla Theatre, Pärnu Concert Hall and numerous art galleries and craft workshops. The Arts and S Crafts Walking Tour mixes the flavour, knowledgeARVE and romanticism of old times with modern culture.

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Arts and Crafts Walking Tour

Walking Tour of Resort Area

In the footsteps of Olev Siinmaa

The historic city centre

Arts and Crafts Walking Tour Move the map over to the other side

Take a quarter of an hour walk from the city centre down the green alleys with their cosy cafés and you reach the Pärnu beach with its famous fine white sand. The resort atmosphere can be sensed immediately after passing through Tallinn Gate, which designates the area of the former city fortifications (see The Historic City Center No 5). In 1835 Pärnu was removed from the list of fortified towns, and the city could start its development outside the fortifications. At the end of the 19th century a large scale plan of the beach area was drawn and implemented, complete with parks, playgrounds, sports grounds, recreation facilities and resort villas. All the elements mentioned before make the walk in the beach area a memorable experience. In 1890, Pärnu was listed as the official imperial resort and the ambitions of the town as a resort gained momentum. Thanks to Pärnu`s increasing focus on sun and social activities, its fame grew in 1920s and the city developed into one of the most popular holiday and health resorts in Estonia. Pärnu has also been granted with rather significant title - the summer capital of Estonia.

1 Pärnu Yacht Club, Lootsi 6

Pärnu Yacht Club is located at the meeting point of Vallikäär (Moat) and the river. The club building that received an annex in 2010 is a nice place for having a meal and learning about maritime world. The sailing simulators and the navigation marks drawn on the tables are the big favorites of both children and adults. The historic Yacht Club was initiated in 1906 by a couple of naval officers of Czarist Russia and led by the Port Commander. A newspaper wrote: “The sight of boats leaving the grand dock like a flock of white swans was beautiful ...” Also today the sight of white yachts and the Optimists of the young sailors’ hasn´t lost its charm. Behind the Yacht Club at Ringi Street you can see the intriguing building of Pärnu College. The modern school building was completed in 1999, celebrating the 300 anniversary of opening an institution providing higher education in Pärnu. The red brick building (2001), now accommodating the school library, is a former industrial building of Auster cork factory. In front of the house there is a sundial (2004) and the sculpture “Compass” (1999) by H. Starkopf. Opposite the college, there is a pompous building complex of the medical spa „Tervis” (”Health”). The buildings originate from different times. „Tervis” is Estonia’s largest spa complex.

2 Pärnu Piers

The pier, starting on the left bank of the river, has become one of the best known symbols of Pärnu. Legend has it that lovers who kiss each other at the far end of the pier will stay together forever. In 1863-1864 the two 2-km long stone piers stretching far into the sea were built at the mouth of the Pärnu River. During the low water level, the pole tops of the wooden pier built in 1769 can be seen. This part of the pier is called „the old ram” or Catherine’s pier, as it was built by order of Czarina. The story goes that the pier stones were brought across the ice from Kihnu island and then dropped into the sea through holes cut into the ice. Occasionally the piers are completely covered by the water.

3 Alley of Sculptures in Beach Park

The walking path by the beach has transformed itself into the alley of sculptures. It was started in 2001 when the first International Sculpture Day was held and the first exhibits found their way to this park. There are 18 pieces of art altogether, made of dolomite, steel, cast iron and concrete. Some of the sculptures are made out of trees destroyed by the flood in January 2005.

On this walking tour you´ll get acquainted with the best examples of Estonian functionalist architecture. The buildings are designed by Olev Siinmaa, Pärnu city architect in 1925 – 1944. He gave the Pärnu seaside resort its unique look. New residential areas, restaurants, cafés and bathing facilities were built and the landscape of beach park took shape. Siinmaa who started out in Classicistic tradition, became one of the most renowned functionalists in Estonia, making a great impact on the history of Estonian architecture.

1 Siinmaa residence, Rüütli 1a

One of the most stylish examples of the creation of Olev Siinmaa is the house on a small triangular corner site in Rüütli Street. Erected in 1933 for Siinmaa himself and designed to be a practical residence for the family, this house became a pearl of Estonian Functionalism. Every detail was carefully considered both in interior and exterior architecture. He placed the house against the sidewall of the neighbouring building and, as a bonus, got an additional front garden on the corner. Today, the interior design still contains many pieces of the original functionalist furniture.

2 Jakobsons` Villa, Lõuna 2a

Walking towards the beach you´ll come to the Jakobsons` Villa. Built according to the project made by Siinmaa together with architect Anton Soans in 1933-36, this is definitely one of the smartest Functionalist villas in Estonia. The ground around the house is divided into separate areas by fence, walls and terraces, thus creating interaction of the architecture and the landscape. Behind the facade of the villa, which is an outstanding example of modern geometric compositional design, you´ll find a brilliant and rational floor plan. Original interior design is partly intact.

3 Villas in Toominga and Seedri Street

Before reaching medical spa Tervis, you´ll pass villas with „erect“ gable roofs in Toominga and Seedri Street, designed by former city architect Olev Siinmaa. Built in 1932-34, this residential area of 16 houses has more or less preserved its authentic look: high cross gable stone- and shingle roofs, decorative gardens in front of the houses, large rectangular sites and green courtyards. Adjacent to Ammende Villa, Seedri Street ends with a contemporary set of white villas designed by Kalle Vellevoog.

4 Outdoor Band Stage, Mere pst 24

Continue your walk towards the beach and you´ll reach the centre of the Czarist period resort life, the Resort Hall. There is an outdoor Band Stage, built in 1937, behind it. The outdoor stage, designed by the city architect O. Siinmaa in 1936, was an elegant interpretation of Pärnu’s “resort functionalism” in wood. As a result of the renovations carried out in 1980s, it unfortunately lost a lot of its former elegance.

5 Mud Baths, Ranna pst 1

Standing by the Resort Hall you are able to catch a glimpse of one of the symbols of seaside resort Pärnu – the mud baths building completed in 1927. This is a wonderful example of Siinmaa´s classical period. The most dominant feature of this building, designed by Siinmaa in collaboration with Erich von Wolffeldt and Aleksander Nürnberg, is the main entrance with its columns. The decorative elements on the facade of the two wing buildings are done by sculptor V.Mellik(18871949). The furniture, designed by Siinmaa, has unfortunately been destroyed.

The walk in the city centre takes you into the heart of the historic Pärnu. You will see the most important architectural landmarks, monuments and churches, which will tell you the story of Pärnu, starting from its time as baroque fortification.

1 Town Hall, Uus 4 / Nikolai 3

The visitor centre located in Pärnu Town Hall is open every day Summer opening hours are 9-18. In winter (15.09 to 15.05) Mon-Fri 9-17, Sat - Sun 10-14.

The Town Hall is actually a whole quarter. Its oldest building, the merchant’s house, was built in 1797. In 1806 it served as an accommodation for the Russian Czar Alexander I during his visit to Pärnu. Legend has, that in 1819, on the command of the Czar, the merchant’s house was turned into the house of the commandant of the town. Since 1839, the building was used as Town Hall. In 1911 it acquired an Art Nouveau style annex bearing also Neo-Gothic and Neo-Baroque traits. The annex contained premises of the city council. As of year 2009, the Town Hall accommodates the Visitor Centre of Pärnu. Nikolai Street is named after the St. Nicholas Church that used to be located here and was destroyed in World War II. A memorial stone has been placed opposite the Town Hall under the oak trees which are the only remains of the church yard. The chapel of St. Nicholas Church was home for a well known pilgrimage object, the Black Cross. The Black Cross is also depicted on the coat of arms of Pärnu.

2 St. Catherine’s Church, Vee 8

The St. Catherine’s Church was built by order of the Russian Empress Catherine II. While visiting Pärnu, she was puzzled by the fact that the Orthodox community had only one church (the now destroyed St. John’s Church) at their disposal. Completed in 1768, the St. Catherine´s Church is considered to be the most elaborately decorated baroque style church in Estonia, combining the five-dome orthodox church building with antique architecture forms. As such it has influenced orthodox ecclesiastical architecture in all Baltic countries. The church is currently under the authority of the Moscow Patriarchate.

3 Rüütli Street

A walk through the Children`s Park, situated just opposite the St. Catherine`s Church, will bring you to Rüütli Street. This is a pedestrian street loved both by locals and visitors. It is also the main street of historic Pärnu, providing colourful account of the architecture of the past centuries. Part of the street has been designed to resemble the legendary piers of Pärnu – wave shaped benches, tall lamps resembling lighthouses and seashell shaped cobblestones.

4 Merchant Mohr’s house and barn,

Rüütli 21/23

Merchant Mohr’s house at Rüütli Street, built in 1681, was one of the first houses to face the street with its side wall instead of end wall. The house got its Classicistic look after the reconstruction in 1820. Both Karl XII and the Empress Catherine II have stayed here. There is a horseshoe attached to the triangular gable roof of the house. According to a legend it was lost by a horse belonging to the Swedish King Karl XII. In the backyard of the house you`ll find an old barn equipped with hatches for goods. In front of the main house, on the street, there is the bronze statue of J.V. Jannsen, a school master and the founder of the Estonian-language newspaper. The statue is facing the editorial house of the local newspaper across the street.

5 Tallinn Gate and Vallikäär (Moat)

The villa was built in 1905 for a wealthy merchant Hermann Leopold Ammende and is one of the best examples of early Art Noveau style in Estonia. In 19271935, a summer casino was located here, and after

As the city architect, Siinmaa designed series of small buildings: beach pavilions, stands and the like. There are two objects which stand out - the news stand, designed in 1939, and the pavilion for the children’s playground in the Beach Park designed in 1940. The present news stand, which is a true copy of the original,

At the end of the Kuninga Street you`ll find the only surviving rampart gates of 17th century in the Baltic countries. Until 1710 they were called Carl Gustav (King) Gates. The gates mark the starting point of the postal road to Tallinn. There used to be a bridge over the moat taking the postal road along Ringi Street to the raft crossing place and then through the Old Pärnu to Tallinn. After the military fortifications were destroyed in the 19th century, it was decided to preserve the gate building, complete with two bastions and the moat between them - the rampart as

4 Ammende Villa, Mere pst 7

6 News stand and children`s playground pavilion in Beach Park

3 Red Tower Glass Workshop,

Hommiku 11 Tue-Sat 10-17, in summer Tue-Sun 10-17 +372 443 4611, +372 5626 3593, soojyri@gmail.com, www.punanetorn.ee

Amidst the houses of Hommiku Street, there lies hidden the only defence tower left of the medieval fortification wall. In Red Tower Glass Workshop, pieces of art are created out of recycled glass. The tower gallery exhibitions are open for public. In the handicraft shop you can find souvenirs and ethnic handicraft. In summer, Hanseatic Market is welcoming you in the courtyard´s historical atmosphere, side by side with workshops and picnics held there. In the open workshops you will be able to try glass work, make glass jewelry and mosaic stained glass.

4 Pärnu Concert Hall and the City Gallery, Aida 4, Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-16, www.concert.ee/parnu, City Gallery, +372 443 6433, info@linnagalerii.ee, www.linnagalerii.ee

You will find Pärnu Concert Hall close by the river, not far from the bridge. The Concert Hall, completed in 2002 on the initiative of the world renowned conductor Neeme Järvi, is the centre of Pärnu’s music life of the city. Under the same roof you can find a music shop, the Music School and the City Gallery. The Gallery`s collections are on display on the ground floor in the left wing of the building.

5 Lydia Koidula Memorial Museum,

Jannseni 37, Tue- Sat 10-17, in summer Tue-Sat 10-18 +372 443 3313, +372 443 3313, info@pernau.ee, www.pernau.ee

If you still have time, take a walk over the bridge to visit a museum bearing the name of one of Estonia’s most famous writers. The museum is only 10 minutes walk from the bridge. The museum is dedicated to the memory of L. Koidula and his father J.V. Jannsen, who was a school master and the founder of the first Estonian-language weekly newspaper. It also introduces the life in Estonia in the context of national awakening. The permanent exhibition offers a view into a typical 19th century classroom. In the study, one can get acquainted with the history of the beginning of Estonian journalism. The dining room paints a picture of the life of that period and of the domestic atmosphere of Jannsen family.

6 Endla Theatre and the Theatre Gallery,

Central Square 1, open during performances, Café open Mon – Thu 8.30-22, Fri 8.30-24, Sat 11-24, Sun 11-20, on the day of a performance café closes one hour after the end of the performance, +372 4420666, teater@endla.ee, www.endla.ee

Endla Theatre is located on the Central Square, directly opposite to the bridge. In addition to plays, you can also enjoy concerts and jazz music, exhibitions and a good meal here. The Theatre Gallery exhibits mainly the art of theatre personnel. The collections are exhibited in the Sammassaal (Column Hall), in the lobbies of Küüni Hall and in the Theatre Café.

7 Pärnu Central Library, Akadeemia 3

June-August Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-17, September-May Mon-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-17, +372445 5707, pkr@pkr.ee, www.pkr.ee

Pärnu Central Library, located just next to Endla Theatre, introduces you to Estonian literature. Paintings, photos, miniature sculptures and applied art are exhibited at the library´s ground floor gallery and at the staircase gallery. In 2008, the building was awarded the Prize of Architecture by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

8 Venus Bastion Smithy,

Õhtu 1, Vallikäär, May-September Mon-Sun 11-18, October-April Thu-Sun 11-18, +372 510 6657, info@sepakunst.com, www.sepakunst.com

Behind the library, near the former bastion tower by Vallikäär (Moat), there is located an old smithy. This is one of the oldest buildings in Pärnu, dating back to 18th century. You can watch the smith at work, try to forge yourself, order and buy ironwork here. 2

Arts and Crafts Walking Tour 9 Maripott Ceramics, Õhtu 7

Tue-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-15, in summer Tue-Sat 10-18, +372 5647 9940, maripotti@gmail.com

Keep walking on Õhtu Street until you reach a small pottery. Opposite the Tallinn Gate (see the Historic City Centre No. 5) is located the shop/workshop of potter Marit Lilienthal. Here you can watch the master at work and purchase Pärnu related ceramics. In this cosy shop, you can try your hand at potter’s wheel and make artwork in rolling pin technique.

10 Vuhti Gallery, Ringi 40

Tue-Sat 11-18, in summer Tue-Sun 11-18, +372 442 2212, vuhtimaja@hot.ee, www.vuhti.com

Moving on to Ringi Street, you will reach the private gallery of Vuhti House. Here you can buy ceramics and home textiles: rugs, curtains, bedspreads and pillows. It is all made in the unique technique of the local artist. The house has been restored in its original form of the historical villa-style building. You are also welcome to look around inside the house.

11 Pärnu Art School, Kerese 3

+372 444 3536, kunstikool@hot.ee, www.kunstikool.parnu.ee

Turning to Kerese Street you will reach Pärnu Art School where art courses are held.

12 Museum of Modern Art, Esplanaadi 10

June-August Mon-Sun 9-21, September –May Mon-Sun 9-19 +372 443 0772, muuseum@chaplin.ee, www.chaplin.ee

At Esplanade Street there is a museum of modern art founded in 1992. It surprises visitors with its intriguing art exhibitions. The museum`s collection consists of over 400 fine art works and over 1,200 documentary films in the video library. The museum is famous for the tradition of international annual exhibition of nudes “Man and Woman” and for the tradition of hosting Pärnu International Documentary Film Festival. The museum has a public Internet Point, a café and a small shop selling art products, books and souvenirs.

13 The Artists’ House, Nikolai 27 Tue-Fri 12-18, Sat 12-16. +372 443 6433, info@linnagalerii.ee, www.linnagalerii.ee

Walking towards Supeluse Street you will pass by Artists’ House located in a Functionalist villa built in 1930-ies. In addition to the exhibition halls, the house accommodates artists’ studios. For participation in workshops, registration is required: Andrus Joonas’ Painting Studio: +372 5192 6783,

a_joonas@hotmail.com. Acrylic and oil painting

Tiina’s Textile House: +372 529 2744,

tiina@tekstiilikoda.ee, www.tekstiilikoda.ee Felting, weaving on the loom and on the mold, jewelry making.

14 Villa Artis, A. Adamsoni 1

Mon-Fri 10-17, in summer Mon-Sun 10-18, +372 447 1480 artis@reiser.ee, www.reiser.ee

Villa Artis Gallery has been operating since 2009. In addition to art exhibitions, also literary and musical evenings are held. In winter, some of the rooms are turned into exhibition halls and artists’ workshops.

15 Pärnu Museum, Aia 4

Tue-Sat 10-18, 15 June -15 August Mon –Sun 10-18, +372 443 3232, info@pernau.ee, www.pernau.ee

Walking Tour of Resort Area

In the footsteps of Olev Siinmaa

World War II the building served as a club. During the Soviet time the villa was used as a medical spa and library. The building was thoroughly renovated in 1999 and houses an exclusive hotel and restaurant now. Today Villa Ammende is one of the most beloved attractions in Pärnu, combining a world-class hotel and the restaurant with a concert and exhibition venue. The atmosphere of this house is irresistible.

5 Villa Katariina, Mere pst 14

A group of the best preserved villas of the Czarist time is located on the corner of Suvituse and Mere Street. The word “villa” first appeared on the town plan in 1898. Renovated buildings decorated with wooden carvings create the atmosphere of a bathing resort. Wooden Villa Katariina with its decorative towers dates back to the end of the 19th century. After World War I the villa was used as a pension. After World War II it was turned into the sleeping premises of a medical spa. The building was renovated in 1995 and is now being used as a hotel.

6 Resort Hall (Kuursaal), Mere pst 22

The centre of the social life of the resort during the Czarist time was the Resort Hall built in 1880. During its more than a hundred years of lifetime, the building has been used for many purposes, such as a dance hall and a cinema. The repeatedly renovated building is currently accommodating the largest pub in Estonia. The outdoor Band Stage of the Resort Hall (see Siinmaa trail No 4) is a popular venue for music events during summer. Next to Resort Hall there is a bronze statue of the beloved musician and composer, Raimond Valgre (1913-1949). The statue was unveiled in the summer of 2003 during Valgre`s 90th anniversary celebrations. You can listen to the composer’s most popular melodies, while standing by the statue.

7 Beach Park

Supeluse Street, which is the artery of Pärnu´s resort life, terminates at the historic building of the former Pärnu Mud Baths (see Siinmaa trail No.5) and the Beach Park. The planning of the landscape park was initiated in 1882 by the Mayor O.A. Brackmann. Up to that point the area was a meadow mainly used by locals. Although Pärnu at that time was a small town, the park was built similar to the parks in big cities. The project was commissioned from the Director of the Parks of Riga, G. Kuphaldt. A tree nursery was established in the town and a town gardener was hired. Currently, the park covers 48.4 hectares, stretching from the pier all the way to the extension of Side Street. The park was declared as a nature reserve area in 1958. Due to a make-over in 2010, the Beach Parks` fresh look is enchanting with its several different walking paths, fountains, picnic places and playgrounds.

8 Health Trail

In 2007 the resort celebrated its 170th anniversary. A new attraction, health trail, was opened, starting from the Beach Park and winding along the Pärnu beach and the shoreline. The trail is passable all year round. It is perfect for Nordic walkers, roller skaters and health walkers. The health trail is marked with wooden poles indicating the distance covered.

9 Beach Promenade

The permanent exhibition “11 000 years of history” introduces the city of Pärnu and the history of the oldest populated county of Estonia. One of the oldest and richest collections is the archaeological collection. In the exhibition hall of the museum, history exhibitions, and less frequently art collections are displayed.

The health trail is partly overlapping with Pärnu Beach Promenade, completed in 2006. Winding down the beach, the romantic promenade surprises you with its use of different forms, materials, and with the playfulness of fountains. The lights of the promenade keep the beach life active even after the sunset. Rain or shine, both locals and visitors love to stroll down the promenade. Pärnu`s most modern spa hotel „ Tervise Paradiis“ with its biggest water park in Estonia can be spotted at the end of the promenade.

forged railing of the staircase. During World War II, the fire watch tower was added to the buliding. Across the street, just opposite the school house, there is a park which was named after Olev Siinmaa in 1939.

accommodates the tourist information point during the summer.

7 Beach House, Ranna pst 3

The Beach House, completed in summer 1939, is One of the best examples of the Functionalist holiday resort architecture. The café with its large display windows and porthole-type windows is adjoined by an intriguing mushroom-like balcony, providing shade underneath and a sun deck above. This is the first construction in the Baltic states made entirely of ferro-concrete. The whole building features stark concrete surfaces imitating the texture of wood. Today the building is used as a night club and restaurant. Along the sandy beach, The Beach Promenade makes its way, Strating from the Beach House.

11 Annex to the hospital, Sillutise 6

The town hospital annex, constructed in 19381940, provides in all its rigor and practicality, a nice counterbalance to the eclectic facade decor of the old medical institution. Only the first part of the red brick two-storey and high-ended annex was completed. The construction of the second and the third part was interrupted by World War II. Today the building stands empty.

12 Club house „Noorus”, Roheline 1b

If you have spare time at your disposal and are interested in architecture, then Rääma borough across the river is definitely worth looking at. Rääma club house for young people, built in 1933, is an example of a high cross-gable-roof type of building, favored by Siinmaa. The facade of the building is rich in nuances and the laconic wall surface is brought alive by skillfully playing with different shapes of the windows. As characteristic to Siinmaa, there is a decorative garden with low fence in front of the building. The house is currently being used as club house and culture centre.

8 Beach Hotel, Ranna pst 5

Pärnu became a fashionable resort town after the completion of the grandiose Beach Hotel in 1937. This building is a brilliant example of modern holiday resort architecture. By drawing upon the ideas of the 1934 competition, Olev Siinmaa and Anton Soans drew the final project. The building, located in the beach park, is elegant and presentable from all sides. The balconied seaside facade is open to the sun and sea and the inland facade is enclosed, with its narrow strip windows in the passageways. An appropriate allusion to ship, heading for the sea, is accomplished by the rounded finish given to the central part of the building. South annex was completed in 1938.

13 School House, Raba 3

The School House, built in 1929-1931, belongs to the early period of Siinmaas architecture. It carries the traits of Traditionalism, popular in 1920s - multilight windows and high hip-roof. The interior design of the building has still some original elements left which harmonize with the exterior architecture of the building.

9 Residantial area in Papli-Kaarli Street

In Tammsaare, Kuuse, Kaarli, Lehe and Papli Street we can see many villas built in different styles and at different time. The buildings in Papli–Kaarli residential area from 1934-1936 were built using the example of high cross gable roof type of buildings in Seedri– Toominga Street (see No 3). Papli-Kaarli residential area has been affected by floods. The water level of one of the most severe floods, the one in January 2005, can be seen on the support pole holding the name plate of the Villa of Captain Kurgo (Papli 13). Kurgo Villa is also unique because in 1935 President Konstantin Päts stayed here during his holiday. The simple people were able to boast that they were walking the same streets and lying on the same sand as the President.

Olev Siinmaa (Oskar Siiman until 1936) was born

November 12, 1881 in Pärnu into a joinery shop owner’s family. He studied interior and furniture design in 1911-1914 in Wismar and Konstanz technical schools in Germany. After finishing the school he worked as an architect in Luebeck. In 1921 he returned to Estonia, working for Darmer Lumber Industry and Construction Company. In 1925-1944 he worked as the city architect of Pärnu. In 1944 he immigrated to Sweden, where he worked as the vice architect of Norrköping. Olev Siinmaa died in March 29, 1948 in Norrköping.

10 School House, Kooli 13

The facade of the school house, built in 1938-1940, is a great example of the functionalistic approach to architecture. In contrast to the simple forms of the building, the main facade is elaborate and decorated with the relief „Mother with her child“ and other ornaments by sculptor Juhan Raudsepp. The only parts left from the original interior design, are marble drinking wells and 7