Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and is often referred to as a Hanseatic city, a museum city, and the oldest city in the Baltic States. The city is considered the intellectual capital of Estonia, which is not surprising, as the University of Tartu, one of the oldest in Northern Europe, was founded here in 1632.

Tartu Attractions and Activities
Tartu’s Old Town attracts tourists with cozy cafes, authentic shops, and attractions. The central point is Town Hall Square, home to the early Classicist Town Hall, built in 1767. For centuries, Town Hall Square was the main marketplace, connecting the ancient fortified settlement on Toome Hill with the river port. The current Town Hall is the third on this site, as the previous buildings were destroyed.

The second most popular attraction in the city is Toomemägi Hill, located in Toome Park, where the ruins of the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, are located. This majestic Gothic cathedral is a symbol of the ancient city, but was severely damaged during the Reformation and the Livonian War of the 16th century. Today, the university library and history museum are located on its site.

Another medieval architectural monument in Tartu is St. John’s Church (St. Jaana’s Church), which dates back to the 14th century. This church is considered the most valuable object in Estonia’s rich heritage due to its strikingly elegant design. The brick structure is adorned with numerous fired clay decorative elements; there were originally over a thousand of these elements, but far fewer survive today.