Pärnu's classic wooden houses are more than just pretty facades - they are living testaments to the city's history. Many of these buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when Pärnu flourished as a major port and spa town. Their architecture reflects the influence of the Hanseatic period and Scandinavian styles, which have long played a major role in Baltic architecture.
These wooden houses survived wars, occupations and even the Soviet era, when many historic buildings were left to decay. Thanks to careful restorations in recent decades, they now shine in their former glory and testament to the city's resilience. The restored timber-framed buildings and ornamentation are not only decorative, but also express the traditional crafts that have been cultivated here for generations.
As you stroll through the streets, you feel the connection to the past. It's easy to imagine how merchants and craftsmen once conducted their business here as carriages rolled over the cobblestones. Today, history mixes with modern life, and the wooden houses provide an atmospheric backdrop for the small cafes, boutiques and galleries that are housed within them.