Supreme Court Building - Tours full

The building near Devil’s Bridge, which has served as a military barracks, hospital, and courthouse, has been the home of the Supreme Court since 1993 when the Supreme Court was reopened. Overlooking Toome Hill, the prestigious building, which has been repeatedly renovated, was originally completed in 1778. The University of Tartu acquired the building in the early 19th century when a clinic was established here, which expanded and improved over time. The building acquired its present appearance in 1845-1847 when architects Karl Winkler and Henry Philippe de Schouden redesigned the clinic.

The renovation and refurbishment works, completed in the summer of 1994, were carried out according to the project by architect Udo Tiirmaa. President Lennart Meri spoke at the reopening of the building.

The latest renovation took place in 2019-2020, when the main and side buildings were connected with an atrium. The previous location of the main entrance was also changed. The author of the beautiful renovation project is Aivar Oja. In the foyer of the building, we encounter Vergo Vernik’s bronze sculpture “Justitia,” but there is even more art in the building – we find portrait paintings of Supreme Court judges on the walls and many other interesting things.

Photo: Kevin Loigu.