Urvaste Church

Urvaste Church is a three-naved brick basilica in the Gothic style located in Kirikuküla. It stands on the shores of Lake Uhtjärv and remains the only rural church of this architectural form in Estonia.

The building was first documented in 1413 and suffered damage during the Livonian War in 1558. After rebuilding in 1620, it received its current form in 1889 through major reconstruction.

The church serves the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church community and displays an altar painting by C. Walther from 1885. This artwork reflects how religious art traditions persisted in rural parishes over centuries.

The church is open to visitors on Sundays from 10:00 to 12:00 during service times. For visits at other times, advance contact at +372 5118271 is necessary to arrange access.

Inside the church sits an organ built by the Kriisa brothers in 1938. Together with bells cast in 1832, these elements represent different periods in the building's development.

Location: Antsla Rural Municipality

GPS coordinates: 57.91030,26.54367

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23