Sightseeing in Tartu - what to see. Complete travel guide

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. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Modern AHHAA scientific center occupies an unusual building in a futuristic fashion. Its opening took place in 1997. Today, it is the largest research center within the territory of Baltic States. Exciting tours and activities are available to its visitors. They can visit the scientific theater and listen to lectures on different topics, see the exhibition halls and the planetarium. Special activities are carried out here for children. There is also a cinema that shows informative documentaries.

The Old Anatomicum in Tartu used to be the most important scientific center, where they conducted really exciting studies in the field of medicine. It is interesting primarily from an architectural point of view to contemporary tourists. The research center occupied a beautiful 19th-century mansion surrounded by a large beautiful garden. It's a lovely place to visit at any time of the year.

The Leaning House is the most unusual architectural sight of Tortu. This beautiful house was erected in the late 18th century for the noble Barclay de Tolly family. Construction inefficiencies have led to its inclination. Only talented rebuilding saved the mansion from complete destruction. Nowadays, a popular bookstore occupies its first floor.

An excellent beer museum operates in Tartu. It's called A Le Coq. The museum was named after the historic brewery opened in 1803. It became the very first brewery in Estonia. The plant is in operation. They opened a thematic museum in one of its historic buildings in 2003. Among the exhibits are old-fashioned equipment, antique dishes, a collection of beer mugs and advertising posters, numerous awards that the plant gained in international competitions.

Tartu carefully maintains its historical traditions. During the 15th century, St. Anthony's handicraft Compound was opened in the city. It has been operational for more than 500 years. Visitors can see original craftsmen to make chic porcelain and glass products, sew shoes and leather accessories, and make traditional pottery. They often carry out interesting themed events and fairs.