STORIES OF THE RED TOWER: The History of the Red Tower, Medieval Pärnu and the Surrounding Area

A small innovative museum operates in the Red Tower, a corner tower of the medieval town fortifications built in the 15th century. It introduces the history of the former prison tower and medieval Pärnu. On the tower’s attic floor is a circular panoramic cinema showing an animated film about the development of the surrounding area over the last 15,000 years. In the courtyard gallery, visitors can explore a display about local history; during warmer weather, the oversized Mill Game can be played free of charge in the courtyard. On the tower’s first, or reception, floor, the museum’s visitor guide helps introduce the HISTORY OF THE RED TOWER: visitors can see the tower as historians believe it may have looked immediately after it was built, at the beginning of the 15th century, and learn about the long history of the town prison. We then recommend going straight to the tower’s attic. The tower’s former defensive level, previously closed and now serving as the attic floor, has become a new CIRCULAR PANORAMIC CINEMA, for which a 10-minute animated film presenting the history of the surrounding area was specially created: “A Merciless and Merciful History. Through 15,000 Years in the Red Tower”. The film centres on the view from the visitor’s location, from the Ice Age to the present day. We see geographical changes at the site of the city and the city’s development, and also encounter significant or exciting historical events. On the tower’s second floor, we present the medieval Livonian small town of NEW PÄRNU as it was a century later, in the mid-16th century. Only the Red Tower remains of this town in today’s streetscape. The model and the screen above it help visitors understand the dimensions and layout of the medieval town and form an impression of buildings that have permanently disappeared. The display cases contain a small collection of objects introducing the everyday life of a medieval burgher.

PLEASE NOTE THAT...
... the small building can accommodate only a limited number of visitors at a time, and the cinema room up to 10 people. Where possible, please purchase tickets in advance. Group visits should be arranged beforehand so that we can find the most convenient solution.
... the courtyard of the Red Tower can be accessed only from Hommiku Street. From the open gate, you can see the courtyard gallery and the tower; please feel free to enter.
... the architecture of the medieval tower imposes significant limitations on accessibility. Before purchasing a ticket, we recommend making sure that the narrow, steep stairs and high door thresholds will not prevent you from visiting the Red Tower.

WE ARE OPEN: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00
CONTACT US: tel. +372 443 3488 (during opening hours), email: visit@pernau.ee