Tartu Tourism

Tartu

Tartu is a combination of rich cultural heritage, modern smart solutions, street art, numerous museums and galleries, lovely parks, and the Emajõgi River. The main building of the University of Tartu, the enchanting Toome Hill, St. John's Church, the flourishing botanical garden, the AHHAA Science Centre, as well as the Leaning House are a short walk from the Town Hall Square. Tartu is very compact.

After the walk, you can enjoy the evening in a cosy restaurant. We also recommend visiting the Supilinn district with its wooden houses, the Estonian National Museum, the Upside Down House, and the Widget Factory.

Tartu is a cradle of creativity and science - you will always find theater performances, concerts and festivals here, including the Hanseatic Days. In 2024 Tartu will become the European Capital of Culture!

Highlights

Tiit Grihin

St. John’s Church

Tartu St. John’s Church, built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, is one of the oldest in Estonia and unique in Europe due to its many original terracotta sculptures. Today, almost 1,000 sculptures survive, their age reaching nearly 700 years. Visitors can also enjoy the wonderful views to the town from the observation platform of the bell tower.

Ove Maidla

Barge Chamber (Lodjakoda)

At the Lodjakoda (Barge Chamber), everyone can see with their own eyes how a historic ship is being built – a 24 m long two-masted Emajõgi-Peipsi barge. In addition, everyone is welcome to craft a barge model, learn sailor wisdom, visit a smithy, try old-fashioned barge-related work, and study the history of barge shipping.

ReinToom

Antonius Courtyard

Antonius Courtyard housed a historic organisation uniting professional artists, craftsmen, and industrial artists (Antonius Guild), whose goal was to promote Estonian art and craft and to respect old craft techniques and skills. Today, the Antonius Courtyard brings together designers, fashion designers, and artists based in Tartu.

Jaak Nilson

Tartu Cathedral

Tartu Cathedral, located on the beautiful Toome Hill, is one of the largest and also the only medieval church with two spires in Estonia. The church was destroyed in the Livonian War and since then, it has not operated as a church. Nowadays the University of Tartu Museum, which introduces the history of science and university education, operates there.