University of Tartu main building

One of the most iconic buildings in Tartu and throughout Estonia is the main building of the university. The building, completed in 1809, was designed by the head of the university construction commission, J. W. Krause, and it was erected on the site of the medieval St. Mary’s Church, which was destroyed in the Great Northern War. The building is considered a masterpiece of high classicism, which strongly influenced the architecture of the early 19th century in Estonia. The main feature and dominant element of the university’s main building is the six Tuscan-style columns on the main facade, along with a triangular pedimented portico. To enhance the building’s impact, it steps back from the street line, creating a terrace in front of it. The most ceremonial space inside is the auditorium on the second floor – Estonia’s most valuable neoclassical interior. The rest of the main building’s interior is modest and simple in design, including the vestibule and main staircase. Two two-story wing buildings were added to the rear of the main building between 1856 and 1858. The former university church, located between the wing buildings, is also part of the main building complex.

Photo: Kevin Loigu.