Historical center of Tartu

• Address: Old Town, left bank of Emajõgi;
• Sightseeing: Tartu University, Town Hall Square, Dome Cathedral, St. John's Church, Assumption Cathedral and much more.

The historical center of Tartu is included in the list of unique objects of Southern Estonia . There are not so many buildings preserved from the Middle Ages - the main part of the building is the houses of the XVIII-XX centuries. The sights of the center are the museums of the oldest in the Baltic States of the University of Tartu , churches, bridges, and the heart of the Old Town - the Town Hall Square.

About the historical center

Although the city of Tartu, founded in 1030, is one of the oldest cities in the Baltic region, the word "ancient" to its historical center, with all the desire, is inapplicable. The fire was caused in 1775, which destroyed many buildings in the historical center of the city. These buildings did not begin to be rebuilt, new buildings were erected in their place. Therefore, now the historical center of Tartu is mainly attractions, built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. Bombing of the Second World War, too, did not spare the area, in particular the Town Hall Square.

From the east, the historical center is bordered by the Emajõgi River, and to the west by the Toomemägi Hill. From the north, its border marks Lai Street ("Broad" street) - here once there was a moat. In the southern part is the heart of the Old Town - Town Hall Square.

The historical center of Tartu is officially considered to be one of the unique objects of Southern Estonia, representing a particular historical and architectural value. The entrance to the Town Hall Square is preceded by a "yellow window" - a symbol of National Geographic.

Areas and attractions

1. Town Hall Square . Center of the Old Town of Tartu from the XIII century. Here was a large city market. Now on the square there are souvenir shops and bookshops, in the summer open-air cafes open. Sights of Town Hall Square: the Town Hall itself, the "falling" house, a fountain with the sculpture "Kissing students", and an arch bridge across the Emajõgi River.
2. University of Tartu . The oldest university in Northern Europe, opened in 1632. The main building was built in 1804-1809. The University has an art museum (the most valuable exhibit is the Egyptian mummy). Nearby is Von Bock's house, and behind the university is the university church, which is now used as an archive.
3. The Toomemyagi Hill . It is located beyond the University of Tartu. On the hill there is the biggest sacred building in Estonia - the Dome Cathedral, in which the museum of the University of Tartu is now open. In the summer there is an entrance to the towers. Around the Dome Cathedral a park with monuments to public figures of the city is broken.
4. Observatory and Anatomical Theater . Both buildings belong to the University of Tartu. The Tartu Observatory is the only one in Estonia that is open to all comers. Many important scientific discoveries were made within its walls! Anatomical theater is no longer used for its intended purpose, but remains one of the attractions of the historic center.
5. Museums . In the historical center of Tartu, you can also visit the Toy Museum, a museum of a 19th-century city dweller. and a mail museum.
6. Church of St. John and the Assumption Cathedral . From religious buildings in the historical center of Tartu you can see the Orthodox Cathedral of the XVIII century. and the Lutheran Church of the XIV century. The church of Jaan (John) is known for its terracotta sculptures, which number about a thousand.
7. The Devil's Bridge and the Angel Bridge . Two bridges are designed by one architect and are located side by side. Although it seems that the names of bridges deliberately constitute a dichotomy, perhaps this is a simple coincidence - there is no consensus on the origin of these names.

Where to stay?

It is more convenient to visit the historical center of Tartu for sightseeing. Several best accommodation options:

• Lydia Hotel - hotel for 70 rooms, in services - spa lounge, swimming pool, fitness center, sauna;
• Antonius Hotel - hotel in the XVI century building, in the rooms: antique furniture, fireplaces, wall painting, high ceilings and large windows;
• Hotel Draakon is a hotel in the Town Hall Square with its own restaurant and beer cellar;
• Konrad Apartments - eight apartments in Scandinavian style, each - reproductions of paintings by Estonian artist Konrad Mägi;
• Domus Dorpatensis Guest Apartments - eco-apartments in a cozy two-story house in the Town Hall Square;
• Tampere Maja - guest house in a wooden building built in 1739;
• Hotel London is a hotel with spacious guest rooms that value solitude and personal service.

Where to eat?

Restaurants, cafes and pubs in the historical center of Tartu at every step - it will not be difficult to find a place to your liking.

Restaurants:

• Umb Roht - a restaurant serving local seasonal produce;
• La Dolce Vita - a restaurant of real Italian cuisine, they are also owned by Italians;
• Polpo - eco-friendly dishes "with an exotic accent".

A cafe:

• Werner - a cafe known since 1895, in the menu cakes and pastries at student prices;
• Pierre - elegant cafe for lovers of chocolate cakes and truffle candies;
• Crepp - it serves delicious sweet pancakes.

Pubs:

• Pussirohukelder ("Powder cellar") - a pub on the hillside, where the truth before was a powder cellar;
• Vein ja Vine - wine bar with a large assortment;
• Pubi Illegaard - this pub hosts Tartu students, you can play table football and watch the match on TV.

How to get there?

The historical center of Tartu can be reached on foot or by public transport from anywhere in the city. Tourists who have just arrived in Tartu can reach the historic center:

• from the bus station, which is located in the center of the city, on foot;
• from the railway station Tartu - by bus number 20;
• from the airport - by shuttle bus to any point close to the historical center (the shuttle carries passengers around the city).