Pärnu Red Tower – Museum and Circular Panoramic Cinema

The Red Tower, built in the 15th century at the southeastern corner of the town wall, was part of the medieval fortifications of Uus-Pärnu and served as the town prison for many years. It is the only surviving defensive tower of the Hanseatic town of Uus-Pärnu and the oldest surviving building in Pärnu. Since late 2020, the Red Tower has housed a branch of Pärnu Museum, complementing its permanent exhibition and presenting the story of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. On the tower’s attic floor, a modern circular panoramic cinema screens a 10-minute animated film about local history, “A Merciless and Merciful History: 15,000 Years in the Red Tower.” At its centre is a view from the visitor’s position, spanning from the Ice Age to the present day. The film shows geographical changes in the area where the town stands and the town’s development, and takes viewers into the midst of fascinating historical events. The ticket includes a circular panoramic cinema screening and, if desired, a brief introduction to the history of the Red Tower by a museum staff member.

http://www.parnumuuseum.ee/torn

PLEASE NOTE:

The courtyard of the Red Tower is accessed through the gate on Hommiku Street. From the open gate, you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower—please feel free to come in.

Only a limited number of people can be inside the small tower at a time. Therefore, a purchased ticket allows you to stay in the tower for up to 30 minutes.

If more than 10 people plan to visit the tower at the same time, please contact us in advance. To ensure that the Red Tower’s fascinating stories are not overlooked, we recommend that groups also book a guided visit programme.

The architecture of this medieval tower places significant limits on accessibility. Before buying a ticket, please make sure that the narrow, steep stairs and high thresholds will not prevent you from visiting the Red Tower.

Contact us: visit@pernau.ee, +372 443 3488 (during the tower’s opening hours)