Red Tower: museum and panoramic cinema

The Red Tower is Pärnu’s oldest building. Built in the early 15th century, this corner tower of the town wall served as both a fortification and a prison. Its stone walls were faced with red brick, which gave the tower its name.

The tower has housed a museum since November 2020. Here you can learn about the architecture of this ancient tower and the medieval town of New Pärnu.

In the panorama cinema you can watch the animated film “Merciless and Merciful History. In the Red Tower through 15,000 years”, which traces Pärnu’s history from the Ice Age onwards, showing how the surroundings have changed and presenting a series of dramatic historical events. The ticket includes a cinema session and, if you wish, a short introduction to the tower by a museum employee.

Please note:

• the courtyard is entered through the gate on Hommiku street; when the gate is open, you can see the tower and are welcome to go in

• the tower is small, so each ticket allows a stay of up to 30 minutes

• groups of more than 10 people must book in advance; a guided tour is also recommended

• the medieval tower is not fully accessible: the stairs are narrow and steep and the thresholds are high, so check this before you buy a ticket