Travel Guide to Tartu, Estonia

This city has the right to be considered the cultural center of Estonia. Here are opened numerous museums and exhibitions devoted to art. The number of historical sites is simply tremendous.

The local university has become the symbol of the city. It was established in 132 by the order of Gustavus Adolphus. Among the old buildings that are worth attention we should also highlight Cathedral of Peter and Paul. Its construction started in the 12th century and lasted for more than 200 years. One should also visit the local Town Hall, the Observatory, St John's Church and the Powder Cellar. These are great examples of medieval architecture and so they are full of interesting stories. It is also worth noting that the cellar was turned into an excellent restaurant that serves best dishes of national cuisine. The atmosphere and design here are more like in an old tavern than in a modern dining facility.

Those visitors, who adore entertaining excursions, will also find much interesting in the city. Among the museums opened are the Museum of Tartu University, Geology Museum, Estonian Sports Museum, Museum of Zoology, Museum of Art, Art Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, Museum of O. Luts, and Museum of the History of the City. Each of them presents to visitors magnificent collections of historical artifacts and art objects. The large selection of items allows everyone to find a hall to fit own taste.

Nature lovers will surely find wonderful entertainments here. The city has several large parks. The park located in the valley of the Emaj?gi River is considered the most picturesque one. While walking through the streets of the city, you will see numerous old mansions and palaces, each of which is a unique historical object. Palace of Palms, Sagadi Palace, Vihula manor and Alatskivi Castle are particularly worth making a visit. Lahemaa National Park is also a wonderful place where you will be able to see several interesting buildings.