Gustav II Adolf in Tartu, Bronze statue of Swedish monarch in University District, Estonia
This bronze statue depicts King Gustav II Adolf with his arm extended in a gesture toward the university he established. The sculpture stands in the University District and carries a Latin inscription recording his role in founding the institution.
The original monument was erected in 1928 but removed by Soviet authorities in 1950 during the occupation period. The current bronze sculpture was created in 1991 by Elisabeth Tebelius-Myren as a restoration of this earlier monument.
The statue reflects the educational connection between Sweden and Estonia through the founding of Tartu University. Visitors can see how this link to the Swedish monarchy remains part of the city's identity today.
The monument is located at Ülikooli 18b and remains accessible from outside at any time. It has wheelchair access and can be visited throughout the day in any season.
The Latin inscription 'GUSTAVUS II ADOLPHUS rex sueciae fundator universitatis dorpatensis' marks the king's direct role in establishing the university. Few visitors notice this detail, yet it preserves the historical memory of Swedish-Estonian educational ties in the city.
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