Tartu Things to Do

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Kalevipoeg sculpture differently called as Estonian Liberation War monument was placed in Tartu in 2003. Actually this sculpture existed already from 1933, but later was demolished by Soviets. Kalevipoeg is a symbolic hero of Estonian national epic, a strong warrior. He is used as a symbol of freedom, independence in Estonia.

Kreutzwaldi sculpture is placed not so far from Kalevipoeg sculpture. It was constructed in 1952. Kreutzwaldi (1803-1882) was a doctor and the one who gathered all Estonian epic parts into one. His sculpture is also stands in Tallinn, in Kadriorg Park.

This sculpture was placed on Children's Day in 2004. It shows nude father and son standing near each other. The interesting, that they are almost the same height, despite that the son is about one and half years old only.

Actually this sculpture planned to be placed in Tallinn (it was made in 1987), but later Tartu government purchased it.

It is very interesting statue of two writers - the Irish writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) and Estonian writer Eduard Vilde (1865-1933). This conversation on the bench is only imagination, they never met before, and only the surnames of them are very similar. There is the copy of this sculpture that is given for one city of Ireland - Galway.

This is actually very popular place in Tartu to take photos, especially when you sit between two writers.

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Angel's Bridge was built in 1836-1838. the formation of bridge very interesting - in real it should be "English bridge", as all Dome hill park was made in English style as well, but, because of words confusion (in Estonian angel is "ingel", English is "inglise"), it is always called Angel bridge.

Another bridge near Angle Bridge is Devils Bridge. They both look contrary to each other. Angel Bridge is made from brighter colors, Devils Bridge is dark.

The last construction of Devils Bridge took place in 1913 (to commemorate the 300th jubilee of the Romanovs Dynasty in former Tsarist Russia). The name of bridge is confusing as well, because in real the name was taken from one bridge in Switzerland. Another reason is that the bridge builder's name was Mannteuffel (in German Teufel is devil).

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Cathedral of Tartu is just a ruin now, but it is under reconstruction. This big gothic building was constructed at the end of 13th century - second half of 15th century. It is said, that it is as beautiful as Riga Cathedral in Latvia. In 1624 at St. John's day the Cathedral fired and from that time only ruins left. Later there was university library and part of university history museum.

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Tartu University is the most famous university in Estonia. It was founded in 1632 by the king of Sweden Gustav II Adolf - at first originally it was called Academia Dorpatensis. It is one of the oldest universities in this part of Europe and it had positive influence for uprising the national feelings not only for Estonians, but for all Baltic people.

The main building of Tartu University is a good example of classical architecture in Estonia. It was built in 1804-1809. After it some students moved to study here, as there are much more buildings that houses different Tartu University faculties and educational centers.

It is the house of end of XVIII century. Maybe the house could be nothing special, but the most interesting thing - it is leaning. That happened because of this: one wall of the building was built on the foundation of old defensive city wall and another - on wooden piles. The structure was different for both sides of building, so one side has leaned.

Inside is Tartu Art museum.

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"The Kissing Students" were put on town hall square in 1998 and was projected by Mati Karmin. It is like a symbol of Tartu, quite popular place to take photos. I should say this sculpture is symbolizing all the atmosphere of Tartu, especially at period of studying, when town is full of students and, of course, falling in love by young couples.

I have seen lots of people enjoying this structure and taking photos nearby it.