Pärnu is the fourth largest city in Estonia, with a population of 50,966 (01.01.2000), and is Estonia's most important summer resort. It is located 130 km south of Tallinn, at the mouth of the river Pärnu, on the shores of Pärnu Bay. The first record of Pärnu as a town dates from 1251. In the course of its history Pärnu has been under the rule of Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Germany and Russia. In the 14th century Pärnu joined the Hanseatic League which in turn speeded up the town's development. Its bastions were built at the end of the 17th century. By the beginning of the 19th century Pärnu had become an important port and trading centre. 1838 is considered to be the beginning of Pärnu's incarnation as a health resort. A favourable location, wide sandy beaches and fresh sea air have made Pärnu a health resort known far beyond the borders of Estonia.
City highlights include the Red Tower of the town wall, parts of the bastions and the moat, and the Tallinn Gate from the 17th century. The most outstanding Baroque buildings from the 18th century are the church of St. Catherine, and the church of Elisabeth. The Classical Town Hall at Uus 4 has a jugendstil extension.
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