- Address: Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
- Phone: +372 737 5100;
- Website: ut.ee;
- Founder: Gustav II Adolf;
- Date of founding: 1632.
In the Estonian city of Tartu there are many monuments of history and architecture, one of the main attractions is the university. The higher educational institution has become famous for its bohemian and intellectual atmosphere, which has been in the corridors and auditoriums for a long time. The University of Tartu is the oldest in Estonia , included in the list of the best higher educational institutions in the world.
Tartu University - description
The higher educational institution is included in such associations of European universities as the Utrecht Network and the Coimbra Group. But tourists come to see it and for another reason in Tartu (Estonia) - The University of Tartu occupies a building that belongs to the most famous sights of the city. In a higher educational institution, specialists are trained in the following areas:
- philology;
- medicine;
- psychology;
- computer science.
In total, there are 4 faculties in the university, divided into institutes and colleges, and also there are representations in other cities: Narva, Pärnu and Viljandi. In the capital of Estonia is the office of the School of Law and the Maritime Institute, as well as the representation. But most of the buildings are concentrated in Tartu.
History of creation
The date of foundation of the University of Tartu is considered to be June 30, 1632. It was on this day that the Swedish king signed a decree establishing the Dorpat Academy. That was the first name of the educational institution under which it existed, while Estonia was under Swedish rule.
In 1656, the University was transferred to Tallinn, and by 1665 its activities ceased. The university opened its doors again before those who wanted to gain knowledge in 1690, when he again found himself in Tartu. Only now its name sounded like Academia Gustavo-Carolina. 1695-1697 were difficult for the university because of the actions of the anti-Swedish coalition, which caused the famine in the city. Therefore, the academy was transferred to Pärnu, as the conditions there were more favorable.
In 1889 the learning process was Russified, and the university itself was renamed the Imperial Yuryevsky. With this name, it lasted until 1918. Its present name was given to the institution during the First World War. When the territory was occupied by the Germans, the university was transferred to the Provisional Government of the country.
On December 1, 1919, he began work under the supervision of Peeter Puld, and the invited scientists were from Sweden, Finland and Germany. Training was now conducted in Estonian. After Estonia joined the USSR, the training program was completely changed, the old ties were broken. During the Soviet period, graduates of the University became well-known philologists, linguists and surgeons, as well as many other outstanding personalities.
After the restoration of Estonia's independence, the University of Tartu was busy reconstructing the lost links and traditions from 1989 to 1992. Today the school is the most popular and the best in the country. But tourists are interested not so much in educational programs as the museum of the University of Tartu.
Features of the museum
In the museum you can learn a lot about the history of science, how university education has changed from the 17th century to the present day. Guides will also tell about student life, astronomy and medicine. Excursions are held not only in Estonian and English, but also in Russian, German. The museum sells souvenirs, there are working classrooms, as well as classes for children.
The museum is open for visitors from May to the end of September, the ticket costs 5 euro for adults and 4 euro for children, these are summer prices. The museum can also be accessed from October to the end of April for 4 euros per adult and 3 euros per child.
Sightseeing buildings
Walking is and just around the university building, built in a classical style designed by the architect Johann Krause. All the important and solemn events are celebrated in an incredible decoration of the assembly hall.
Another "highlight" of the building is a cell in the attic floor of the main building. Here, blamed students of old times thought about their behavior. Their presence is spoken by a variety of drawings on the walls, doors and even the ceiling. At the same time there are man-made arts on the facade of the building, among which it is easy to find modern graphite.
The library of the University of Tartu celebrated its 200th anniversary, but at the moment the building is closed for repairs. If first it was located on the second floor of a private house, then because of the expanding fund it was decided to allocate a separate building. Then the architect I. Krause remodeled the choirs of the once beautiful Gothic church, which was destroyed during the Livonian War and the fire of 1624.
An interesting fact is that in this building the first elevator was built to pick up books. Today's library fund is about 4 million books, among which there are many rare editions. With the advent of computer technology, an electronic information system was created, through which students and specialists search for necessary literature from the workplace.
How to get there?
Getting to Tartu University will not be difficult, because it is located in the Old Town . You can get there by bus, get off at the stop "Raeplats" or "Lai".