Tartu Cathedral, Gothic cathedral ruins on Toome Hill, Tartu, Estonia
Tartu Cathedral is a brick structure with two massive towers roughly 66 meters high, standing on Toome Hill. The building displays both well-preserved sections and ruins that spread across the hilltop site.
Construction began in the 13th century after crusaders from Livonia conquered the site in 1224, destroying the pagan Estonian stronghold. The cathedral underwent changes over centuries until it became the ruins visible today.
The site now houses the University of Tartu Museum, where visitors see scientific instruments, rare books, and objects from the university's past. The rooms tell the story of how this institution shaped academic life in the city.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday and visitors can explore the collections in the preserved rooms. Keep in mind that some areas are ruins and the hill has stairs and uneven ground, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The hilltop has been transformed into a park where monuments honor scientists and writers linked to Tartu's academic history. These statues and markers turn the place into an outdoor tribute to the great minds of the university.
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