Võru is a city in southeastern Estonia located on the banks of the Emajõgi River. The city has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 13th century when it was first mentioned in historical documents. Over the centuries, Võru has been ruled by various powers, including the Teutonic Order, the Swedish Empire, and the Russian Empire. In modern times, Võru has become an important center of culture and education in Estonia.
The earliest known mention of Võru dates back to 1286, when it was referred to as a “village of the Teutonic Order” in a document. At this time, the area was part of the Livonian Confederation, a loose alliance of Germanic knights and merchants. In the 14th century, Võru was annexed by the Swedish Empire, and it remained under Swedish rule until 1721 when it was ceded to the Russian Empire.
During the 19th century, Võru developed into an important trading and manufacturing center. The city was home to a number of factories, including a paper mill, a brick factory, and a tannery. In 1877, a railway line was built connecting Võru to Tartu, the capital of Estonia. This made it easier for goods to be transported to and from the city and helped to spur economic growth.
In the early 20th century, Võru was a major center for the Estonian independence movement. In 1918, the Estonian Declaration of Independence was signed in Võru, and in 1920, the city became the capital of the newly independent country. However, in 1940, the city was annexed by the Soviet Union and remained under Soviet rule until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Today, Võru is a vibrant city with a population of over 20,000 people. It is home to a number of cultural institutions, including the Võru County Museum, the Võru Theatre, and the Võru Music School. The city is also home to several universities, including the University of Tartu Võru College, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, and the Estonian Academy of Arts.
Võru is a beautiful city with a long and fascinating history. It is a great place to visit for anyone looking to explore the culture and history of Estonia.