- Address: Ülikooli 18 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
- Founder: Hermann Buksgewden;
- Work time: cf. - Sun. from 11:00 to 17:00;
- Phone: +372 737 5674;
- Website: muuseum.ut.ee.
The fate of the Dome Cathedral, located in the Estonian city of Tartu , which is the largest architectural monument, is unique and sad. The building constructed in the Middle Ages is currently not used for its intended purpose. Restoration work touched only a small part of the once majestic construction. Now in this part is the museum of the University of Tartu.
History of occurrence
The Dome Cathedral of Peter and Paul was built on a strategically important place - a hill located near the Emajõgi River. Already since ancient times there was a strengthening of Estonian pagans, but in 1224 the original structure was destroyed by the Livonian conquerors. To establish itself on the conquered land, the knights began to build a fortress, which was to become a residence for the bishop, Castrum Tarbatae.
All that remains of this building are the remains of the walls, which archaeologists find as a result of excavations. The second half of the 13th century was marked by the beginning of the construction of the Gothic cathedral on the other half of the hill. Next to it a cemetery and farm buildings appeared. The cathedral was consecrated in honor of Saints Peter and Paul, the former patrons of the city.
The construction became the largest religious building in Eastern Europe, as well as the center of the Dorpatian bishopric. First, the Dome Cathedral (Tartu) was built in the form of a basilica, but over time, the main building was joined by choirs, and the structure became more like a church hall.
The first extensions appeared already in 1299, and after two centuries the cathedral was decorated with high choruses, columns and arches. All of them were made in the style of brick Gothic. Lastly, two massive towers appeared, each 66 m high, each one on the sides of the western facade. Construction work was completed at the end of the XV century, when the wall was erected, separating the bishop's residence from the rest of the city.
How the cathedral fell into decay
The destruction of the building began because of the Reformation, during which the cathedral is attacked by Protestant iconoclasts. After the last Catholic bishop was sent to the Russian Empire, the cathedral no longer operated, it was destroyed, like the whole city, during the Livonian War.
Attempts to rebuild the structure were undertaken by Catholics, while the territory was under Polish rule, but this was prevented by the war with Sweden. After the fire, which happened in 1624, the building was even more destroyed. The cathedral practically turned into ruins when the territory passed to Sweden in 1629.
Local authorities used only the cemetery until the XVIII century, and the remaining farm buildings turned into a barn. Further, the height of the towers was changed to 22 m, to the top of which the guns were placed, and the main entrance was immured. All this happened in the 1760s.
After the opening of the University of Dorpat on the ruins of the cathedral, a three-story library was built, designed by the architect Krause. He also owned the idea of turning one of the towers into an observatory. However, this was not destined to happen, so the observatory was built from scratch.
In subsequent years, the library expanded considerably, and the building was equipped with central heating. Slowly the building was turned into a university museum, which stores thousands of unique exhibits.
To tourists on a note
The hill where the Dome Cathedral is located is turned into a park where tourists can have a snack in public catering establishments, and also walk along the alleys and admire the monuments to some famous people. From the cathedral there was an observation deck, where all travelers invariably rise.
To do this, it is enough to purchase an entrance ticket and to overcome the ladder, which, unlike other similar places, is quite convenient. On the way upstairs guests have a wonderful view of the inner courtyard of the church, and they can also explore the interior of the church. Help to make an idea about the Cathedral of Dome, which can be viewed before his visit.
Being in Tartu , all the tourists are looking for where the Dome Cathedral is located. It is located on the top of the hill of Toomemyagi in the historical center of Tartu, on Lossi Tanav Street, 25. But we must bear in mind that for visits the cathedral is open only in the summer. The tower can be climbed if you arrive in the period from April to November.
There are many legends connected with the Dome Cathedral. One of them says about the ghost of a young girl who is walled in the walls of the temple. In the New Year, she wanders around the church and looks for someone to whom you can pass a bunch of keys that she always carries with her. In addition, it is believed that the ghost can tell about the place where the treasure is on a certain day. However, which day is this, no one knows.
How to get there?
You can get to the Dome Cathedral by bus, you should get off at one of the nearest stops: "Raeplats", "Lai" and "Näituse".