Tartu is a beautiful ancient city, the second largest in Estonia after Tallinn , located on the banks of the Emajõgi River. The first mention of the settlement, located on the site of the city, dates back to the V century. In the 11th century, after the successful military campaign of Yaroslav the Wise to the Estonians, the city formed part of the Old Russian state under the name of Yuryev. After that, at different times he was under the control of the Novgorod Republic, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Swedish, and then the Russian empires, the USSR and, finally, Estonia.
The main sights of the city
The city is considered the main cultural and intellectual center of Estonia. The main attraction of Tartu is the University of Tartu in 1632, one of the oldest in Europe. And almost a fifth of the city's residents are students. What is interesting you can find in this city?
Old city
This interlacing of beautiful narrow streets with classic "gingerbread" houses, just like in Western Europe. Many buildings located in this zone were built in the XV-XVII centuries.
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The center of the old city of Tartu in Estonia is the town hall square, made in classical style, and the Town Hall on it. The Town Hall building, which can be seen today, was built in 1789, and is the third in a row. The previous medieval Town Hall was burnt by the fire of 1775, which destroyed much of the city. The square itself has an unusual trapezoid shape. Throughout the centuries, it served as the main market and trade area of the city. And now the Town Hall Square is one of the main attractions of Tartu in Estonia. Here, holidays and concerts are held, local people arrange meetings and tourists go for a walk.
Toomemyagi Hill
Speaking of what to see in Tartu, you can not fail to mention the picturesque hill of Toomemyagi, located in the park Toome. Centuries ago, an ancient settlement was located on the hill, later a Tartu bishop's castle was built there. Now on the hill there is a beautiful park in English style and the Dome Cathedral, preserved to this day only partially.
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Jaan's Church
The Church of St. John in Tartu is a unique monument of medieval architecture. Founded in the XIV century, this Lutheran church stands out thanks to its decorative decoration of red brick. Initially, the building was decorated with numerous sculptures, but to this day only a few of them have survived.
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Falling building
An interesting landmark of Tartu in Estonia is the "Falling House". This interesting building is located on the town hall square in the center of the old town. The building received its slope due to the architect's mistake, and not at his will. Behind the "Falling House" is constantly monitored and periodically restored to avoid unforeseen destructions.
Museums of Tartu
Among the 20 museums of the city one can single out the following:
- Museum of Art of the University of Tartu. One of the oldest museums in Estonia was founded in 1805. The museum exposition presents antique ceramics and casts from gypsum. You can also paint a vase on your own or try to make gypsum sculptures in the workshop of the museum.
- Museum of the KGB. This is a very unusual museum of Tartu, telling about the activities of the organization and crimes committed under the communist regime. Exhibits in the museum are prison cells and interrogation rooms, as well as numerous photographs and objects brought from exile in Siberia.
- Toy Museum. The collection of this museum is made up of toys made in the traditional style and dolls of different nations of the world.
Water park of Tartu
Arriving on holiday with children, it is just necessary to visit the water park of Tartu. In addition to a spacious pool and several slides with steep slopes, here you can find entertainment for the youngest. In addition, the Turkish and aromatic baths, as well as numerous waterfalls and jacuzzis, will not leave anyone indifferent.