The history of the city of Pärnu dates back to 1251 when the Pärnu Cathedral of the Saare-Lääne diocese was consecrated on the right bank of the river. A dozen years later, Uus-Pärnu was built on the opposite bank, which later became a Hanseatic city, a university town, the location of the country's first resort, and the birthplace of the Republic of Estonia.
Discover the rich history of Pärnu with exciting stories and legends on a walk through  Old Town and visit the only surviving part of Pärnu's medieval city fortification – the Red Tower. You can see a unique circular panoramic cinema session Merciless and merciful history in the Red Tower through 15,000 years in the newly renovated tower.