St. Catherine's Church

St. Catherine's Church is a church building in Võru that displays neoclassical architecture with curved steeples, arched windows, and a substantial bell tower crowned by a dome-like secondary tower. The structure stands in the city center and shapes the urban landscape with its distinctive form.

The Russian Empress Catherine II funded the construction of this church, leading to its completion and consecration in 1793. This imperial support shaped the religious life of the city for generations to come.

The church grounds display an open-air exhibition of religious text-themed illustrations created by Estonian artist Marje Ernits since 2008. These works create a conversation between contemporary art and spiritual space within the church setting.

Access is seasonal and concentrated in the warmer months with specific opening hours. Check conditions before visiting to make the most of your time at this location.

The church holds the remains of a priest who was killed by the Bolsheviks and recognized as a martyr by the Russian Orthodox Church. This historical memory connects the place to the religious upheavals of the 20th century.

Location: Võru City

Inception: 1793

Architects: Christoph Haberland

GPS coordinates: 57.84854,26.99507

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45