- Address: Tartu, Estonia;
- Phone: (+372) 744 2111;
- Sightseeing: Town Hall, Arched Bridge, Crooked House, fountain with sculpture.
Town Hall Square is the heart of the Old Town of Tartu . Buildings of the late XVIII century. here are adjacent to the objects built in the XX century. The historical center of the city is included in the list of unique objects of Southern Estonia .
History of Town Hall Square
Town Hall Square was the center of Tartu since the XIII century. On the square there was the biggest market in the city, here were the city gates. City life was boiling in this place. From the public well, the townspeople drew water. Criminals were executed on gallows on the square.
During its history, the square was seriously damaged twice: in 1775, as a result of a fire and during the Second World War during the bombing. Both times the destroyed buildings were not restored, new buildings were erected in their place. Thus, twice the appearance of the area changed quite a lot.
The entrance to the Town Hall Square is preceded by a "yellow window" - a symbol of National Geographic. So in Southern Estonia the places representing special historical and architectural value are designated.
The area attracts tourists who want to combine sightseeing with a walk and purchase of souvenirs. Souvenir shops and bookshops are open here, in summer there is a cafe in the open air.
Attractions in Town Hall Square
- Town Hall . If you imagine the area as a trapezoid, the town hall will be at its base. To this day, city halls work in the Town Hall. In the same building is a tourist center, since 1922 in the right wing, where it was important, a pharmacy operates. On the turret every day bell rings - 34 bells perform music of Estonian and world famous composers.
- Fountain with a sculpture . The sculptural complex "Kissing students" is a recognizable symbol of the city. The fountain was in front of the town hall building from the middle of the 20th century, but the sculpture depicting a couple in love was opened only in 1998. Since 2006, the fountain is surrounded by plates with the names of sister cities of Tartu.
- Arched bridge . It connects the two banks of the Emajõgi River, starts across the street from the Town Hall Square. In the people it is called Student: since the late 1950s. pupils of the University of Tartu love to spend their leisure here.
- Crooked house . The people are also known as the "falling" house or the "Tartu Tower of Pisa". The house is on the opposite side of the town hall entrance to the square, from the side of the river. It was built in 1793. For a time there lived the widow of the famous Russian commander Barclay de Tolly, therefore one more name of the house is the house of Barclay. Now it houses the exhibition hall of the Art Museum, where works by Estonian and foreign artists are presented.
Cafes and restaurants in Town Hall Square
During a walk around the Town Hall Square, you should definitely go to one of the following places:
- Pierre - elegant cafe, a paradise for lovers of chocolate cakes and truffle candies;
- Truffe - a cafe-restaurant, where mainly serves Mediterranean cuisine;
- Taverna - restaurant, where they go for pizza and dishes of European cuisine;
- Suudlevad tudengid ("Kissing students") - a restaurant specializing in Italian and French cuisine;
- Lounge Kapriis - a restaurant of European and Eastern European cuisine.
Hotels in Town Hall Square
In the historic buildings of the Town Hall Square, hotels and apartments are located, where they are happy to welcome tourists wishing to stay in the center of the Old Town.
- Domus Dorpatensis Guest Apartments (1). Eco-apartments for different numbers of guests in a cozy two-story house is one of the most popular accommodation options in Tartu.
- Hotel Draakon (2). Spacious single and double rooms. The restaurant has a baroque restaurant serving Estonian and international cuisine. The beer cellar offers a wide choice of varieties of Estonian and foreign beers.
- Terviseks BBB (d. 10). Beds in triple and quadruple rooms, as well as private rooms. "Home" atmosphere in contrast to the hostels.
- Carolina Apartments (d. 11, 13). Two and three-bedroom apartments with a sauna, equipped with everything you need.
How to get there?
The Town Hall Square is easily accessible on foot or by public transport from any part of the city. Tourists who have just arrived in the city can reach the square:
- from the bus station - on foot for 10 min. (the bus station is in the center of the city);
- from the railway station Tartu - by bus number 20 to the stop Kesklinn, from there - on foot for 7 minutes;
- from the airport - by bus shuttle to any point close to the square (the shuttle carries passengers around the city).