Estonia > Tartu

Tartu

Tartu, Estonia’s university city, has suffered from countless invasions, wars and fires, but it would be hard to believe this, looking at the town as it now presents itself to visitors.Town Hall Square has all the grace and elegance of an Italian piazza, with theTStrildings there and in the neighbouring streets looking as though they have all been untouched for centuries. Meet your friends at the one modem intrustion here - the statue of two students fondly embracing each other in front of the Town Hall.The two-kroon note shows the main university building, which is where any tour should start.The university was founded in 1632 by the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus II.Very few prominent Estonians did not receive their degree here, though hopefully they were not all sent to the punishment cells which can now be visited in the attic. Nearby is the Toy Museum, which is always full of adults enjoying it as much as their children do.

Do not forget to see the riven and perhaps take a cruise along it to Lake Pepsi. Many historical boats have now been restored and can be visited here.