TARTU
THE CITY OF GOOD THOUGHTS
Information
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Regarded as the spiritual capital of Estonia. Has a sizable student population with a vibrant nightlife. [1]
In 1030, Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv established a fortress here called Yuriev. However, Estonian tribes burnt the fortress down. In the 13th century, the Livonian Order (the German ‘Brothers of the Sword’) occupied the town, and it was known by its German name ‘Dorpat’ until the end of the 13th century. They established a castle and a cathedral which became known as Toomemägi (Cathedral Hill). Throughout the 16th and 17th century, the town experienced repeated attacks and changes of ownership by Russia, Sweden, and Poland-Lithuania as they fought for the Baltic region. [1] [2] [3] [4]
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The town experienced its most peaceful period during its Swedish reign. In 1632, Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus established Tartu university, which has had an enormous impact on the town’s future. In 1704, the town’s peace ended during the Great Northern War, when Peter the Great conquered the region for Russia. In 1708, his army destroyed the town and most of the population was deported to Russia. In 1775, a fire completed the town’s destruction, and much of the town’s city centre was built after that date.
In the mid-19th century, the town became the focal point of the Estonian revival. The first Estonian Song Festival was held here (1869) and the first Estonian-language newspaper was published here, which were both vital steps in the national awakening). The treaty that granted the country’s independence (1st time in its history) from Russia was also signed in Tartu on the 2nd of February 1920. During WWII the town was severely damaged. First in 1941 when the Soviets retreated from the Nazis, and then again in 1944 when the Soviets retook the town from the Nazis. [1]
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ATTRACTIONS
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Contains two superstitious bridges: the Angel’s Bridge and the Devil’s bridge. When you cross the angel’s bridge for the first time, a ritual is to hold your breath and make a wish. [1] [2]
An interactive exhibit centre that elicits a scientific principle [1] [2]
An 18th century building with a lean of 5.8 degrees (more than the Tower of Pisa). This was cause by the nearby Emajõgi River. Today, its a gallery that contains Estonian and Baltic art. [1] [2]
Built between 1803 to 1809 with six impressive Doric columns . The university itself was established in 1632 by the Swedish king Gustaf II [1] [2]
Designed by German architect JHB Walter. The town hall was built between 1782 to 1789. After, a clock was included to encourage punctuality in the student population. [1] [2]
The centre piece of the square is the statue of 2 students kissing under a squirting umbrella [1] [2]
Originally a cathedral that was Built in the 13th century by the knights of the Livonian Order. In the 15th century it was significantly rebuilt; however, during the reformation in 1525 it was vandalised. It was then used a barn. Between 1804 to 1809, it was partly rebuilt to house the university library. Today, it’s a museum that contains interesting exhibits recording student life. [1] [2]
A regular house that is tipped ‘upside down’. This includes its ceilings, floors, and furniture inverted. [1]
GUIDE
INFORMATION
Regarded as the spiritual capital of Estonia. Has a sizable student population with a vibrant nightlife. [1]
In 1030, Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv established a fortress here called Yuriev. However, Estonian tribes burnt the fortress down. In the 13th century, the Livonian Order (the German ‘Brothers of the Sword’) occupied the town, and it was known by its German name ‘Dorpat’ until the end of the 13th century. They established a castle and a cathedral which became known as Toomemägi (Cathedral Hill). Throughout the 16th and 17th century, the town experienced repeated attacks and changes of ownership by Russia, Sweden, and Poland-Lithuania as they fought for the Baltic region. [1] [2] [3] [4]
[expand title=””]
The town experienced its most peaceful period during its Swedish reign. In 1632, Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus established Tartu university, which has had an enormous impact on the town’s future. In 1704, the town’s peace ended during the Great Northern War, when Peter the Great conquered the region for Russia. In 1708, his army destroyed the town and most of the population was deported to Russia. In 1775, a fire completed the town’s destruction, and much of the town’s city centre was built after that date.
In the mid-19th century, the town became the focal point of the Estonian revival. The first Estonian Song Festival was held here (1869) and the first Estonian-language newspaper was published here, which were both vital steps in the national awakening). The treaty that granted the country’s independence (1st time in its history) from Russia was also signed in Tartu on the 2nd of February 1920. During WWII the town was severely damaged. First in 1941 when the Soviets retreated from the Nazis, and then again in 1944 when the Soviets retook the town from the Nazis. [1]
[/expand]
ATTRACTIONS
Contains two superstitious bridges: the Angel’s Bridge and the Devil’s bridge. When you cross the angel’s bridge for the first time, a ritual is to hold your breath and make a wish. [1] [2]
An interactive exhibit centre that elicits a scientific principle [1] [2]
An 18th century building with a lean of 5.8 degrees (more than the Tower of Pisa). This was cause by the nearby Emajõgi River. Today, its a gallery that contains Estonian and Baltic art. [1] [2]
Built between 1803 to 1809 with six impressive Doric columns . The university itself was established in 1632 by the Swedish king Gustaf II [1] [2]
Designed by German architect JHB Walter. The town hall was built between 1782 to 1789. After, a clock was included to encourage punctuality in the student population. [1] [2]
The centre piece of the square is the statue of 2 students kissing under a squirting umbrella [1] [2]
Originally a cathedral that was Built in the 13th century by the knights of the Livonian Order. In the 15th century it was significantly rebuilt; however, during the reformation in 1525 it was vandalised. It was then used a barn. Between 1804 to 1809, it was partly rebuilt to house the university library. Today, it’s a museum that contains interesting exhibits recording student life. [1] [2]
A regular house that is tipped ‘upside down’. This includes its ceilings, floors, and furniture inverted. [1]
Travel to Tartu
Tartu is the spiritual capital of Estonia. Its history begun in 1030 when ‘Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv’ built a fortress here. In the 13th century, the Livonian Order established a castle and a cathedral which became known as Toomemägi (Cathedral Hill). In 1632, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden formed Tartu University. To this day, the university has continued its legacy. In the mid-19th century, the town became the focal point of the Estonian Revival. It was here that the first Estonian Song and Dance festival was held (1869), the first Estonian-language newspaper was published, and the creation of the Estonian Flag (1881). When the town achieved its independence from the Russian Empire, the treaty was signed here in Tartu. The main attraction of Tartu is the 18th century town hall, which is situated in the elegant town hall square, also here you can see the iconic statue of 2 students kissing under a squirting umbrella.
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Other notable attractions include the superstitious Angel’s Bridge and Devil’s bridge in cathedral hill, and the 13th century cathedral that was built by the knights of the Livonian Order (University of Tartu Museum). Overall, Tartu is an important city of Estonia. Its culture was ignited from this town. For this reason, its worthy of a visit. Furthermore, the city has a large student population, which gives the town a thriving nightlife. In my experience I enjoyed the city, especially walking through the old town.
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