- Address: Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Rakvere, 10145 Lääne-Viru maakond, Estonia;
- Established: June 15, 2002;
- Length: 7 m;
- Height: 5 m;
- Weight: 7000 kg.
If you think that the biggest bull sculpture is in New York, then you are deeply mistaken. In 2002, the famous buffalo from Wall Street came down from the pedestal of the record holders and gave way to the bronze Tarvasu, which was installed in Rakvere . The Estonian bull is twice as heavy as the American, and in size is significantly different. But there is also something that unites them - an unprecedented tourist interest and a piquant tradition (both bulls have too much glittering cause, as many sincerely believe that if you rub it, then luck will soon overtake you).
The Prehistory of Tarvas' Appearance in Rakvere
Why the bull, and even the giant in the usual Estonian town? It turns out that the whole thing is in the old legend, which is stored and passed on to the descendants of the local people.
Many centuries ago, when the indigenous inhabitants of these lands produced their own food, mostly due to hunting, lived in the vicinity of a huge bull. Of course, he was the most desirable trophy for all residents of nearby settlements, but the size of the animal was so great that it was beyond the power of even the most brave and skilled hunters to defeat the giant. According to legend, while the head of a bull was in Rakvere, its tail flew over Tartu (this, for a minute, almost 125 km, it is obvious that the legendaries of the legends went a little too far, but as you know, fear has eyes large).
After many years of vain attempts to catch the beast, the hunters decided to unite and act together. And now, finally, it happened. The cunning and dexterity of the bull was still trapped. The story is silent about the fate of the giant tour.
History of the monument
Tarvas sculpture appeared in Rakvere not on the orders of the authorities or urban developers, but solely due to the initiative of local residents and their assistance in raising funds for a new monument.
Timed installation of the monument to the 700th anniversary of the city. On June 15, 2002, Tarvas was solemnly presented to the people as a new symbol of Rakvere.
The author of the project is Tauno Kangro (the famous Estonian architect).
Sculpture parameters:
- length - 7 m;
- height - 5 m;
- weight - 7000 kg.
Bronze Tarvas stands on a massive pedestal of granite, the facade of which is decorated with the coat of arms of Rakvere. On the side faces are engraved the names of all the sponsors who helped to realize this non-expensive sculptural project, as well as a brief excursion into the history of Rakvere in several languages (Russian, German, Estonian, Polish, Danish and Swedish).
The place for the monument was successfully chosen. The brilliant bronze horns of the giant tour are visible from afar. Standing on a high hill, he seems to protect the city from all misfortunes.
Interesting Facts
- The first name of the city of Rakvere was Tarvanpea, which translates literally as "the head of the tour";
- The statue of Tarvas is the largest sculpture of the animal in the entire Baltics;
- in 2008, a bull in Rakvere could be seen in an unusual outfit - in mawashi (a bandage for sumo players), this year in the city were held large-scale competitions in sumo (just 4 world championships: among women, men, juniors and junior women);
- in 2004 in Rakvere was founded the football club "Tarvas", not the coat of arms of which the bull is adorned;
- in 2006, a professional Estonian basketball club was opened, also named after the famous bull - "Rakvere Tarvas";
- players of both the football and the Tarvas basketball club play in the form of a yellow color (the sculpture of the tour is sometimes also dressed in a bright yellow improvised t-shirt).
How to get there?
The statue of Tarvas is located nearby the most famous local landmark - Rakvere Castle. By car it's most convenient to drive up the highway number 88.
You can also get by public transport. Just 2 minutes walk from the monument there are two bus stops. Here buses №3, 37, 43, 63 are passing by.