Tartu, An Impressive University Town
Tartu is located about 185 kilometers southeast of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It is smaller, but beautiful and perhaps more lively than the capital itself.
It seems stopped in the nineteenth century, with its stately and elegant houses, nestled in an environment of lush forests, parks and small lakes. All combined with the flavor of a city with a rich cultural heritage and one of the most famous universities in the country. Scientists of international renown have been born in Tartu, which is why it is reputed to be the center of Estonian wisdom.
What to see in Tartu
1. The Town Hall
The Tartu town hall building is an elegant late 18th century construction. It is situated on the Raekoja Plats, the heart of the city, it was designed by the German architect JHB Walter and built between 1782 and 1789.
It is painted in pink tones and crowned by a tower with a weather vane, its design is inspired by a typical Dutch town hall. It is currently the third town hall to rise from its ashes, as the previous two were destroyed by fire.
It is the center of attention of the city, because, in addition to its beautiful architecture, a clock was installed in it so that students did not arrive late to class.
2. Raekoja Plats
The Red Square is located in the heart of the city. Built in the 13th century, over time it has served as a market, an important tourist spot and currently houses many cafe terraces.
In it is the town hall and the most outstanding thing is the fountain of “The kiss of the students”, a statue that was designed by Mati Karmin and installed in 1998 and that has been assumed by the citizens as the symbol of Tartu.
In 1775 all the buildings around the square suffered a fire, so they have been restored. Not to be missed to visit the leaning house and opt for the souvenirs of the many shops of the place.
3. The university
The university was founded in 1632 by the Swedish King Gustav Adolf II to train Lutheran clergy and government officials and was closed in 1700 during the Great Northern War. On its reopening in 1802 it became one of the most important educational centers in the Russian empire.
One of its main features are its six imposing Corinthian columns, dating from 1803. In the same architectural complex is also the University Art Museum and the student dungeon, where in ancient times students reluctant to respect the rules.
4. Toomemägi Park
This beautiful park is located on the hill behind the town hall, it is perfectly maintained and has many paths that wind through the lush vegetation. At the top of Toomemägi Park is Tartu Cathedral, a Gothic-style building that accompanies an old observatory dating from 1810.
This park is one of the favorites for students to rest and chat, also for family enjoyment accompanied by pets and has even been the setting for filming short film scenes. From the top you can get beautiful views of Tartu.
5. Church of San Juan
This majestic church is a brick temple dating from 1323. Not only is it the oldest in Tartu, it is famous for having more than a thousand terracotta sculptures placed in various recesses in the main portal. Many of them have been located inside the church in order to preserve them from inclement weather.
This church was left in ruins after the Soviet bombing in 1944, after 16 years of restoration it is operational and open to the public since 2005. It has a tower that can be accessed, depending on the opening hours to the public.
Tartu is a small but lively university town with historical sites and wonderful surroundings. It is worth knowing its places and soaking up its atmosphere stopped in time. If you come to Estonia, do not hesitate to visit Tartu, you will not regret it.
