About this experience
Welcome to Tartu, one of the oldest cities in the Baltic region, the capital of science and education. During this excursion, you will stroll through the historic center and bohemian districts of Karlova and Supilinn, visit museums and university buildings, and understand why famous Russian scientists like Lotman, Dostoevsky, and Solzhenitsyn moved to Tartu. You will also meet the locals - both living and immortalized in bronze and stone.
What to Expect
Tartu through the Eyes of Locals
I will introduce you to Tartu as an archaeologist, folklorist, and a local resident. You will learn about the city's history, cultural milestones, and its influence on all of Estonia. Feel the city's cultural life and discover local gems - cafes with Estonian cuisine, charming shops, parks, and botanical gardens. You will know where to find interesting exhibitions and what to see in the city's museums.
The City of Scholars and Writers
Solzhenitsyn called Tartu a 'wonderful university town with a medieval mountain-park in the middle', while Dostoevsky described his time there as a 'time of delight, a golden age'. I will share stories of the great scholars' connection to the Estonian city and their work there. Get acquainted with the University of Tartu and understand why people move to Tartu and stay there forever. You will also explore why the city is so conducive to creative and scientific work.
Your Tartu for Everyone
Although Tartu may seem like a tiny town lost in Estonia, it is intertwined with various Russian places and people. Draw parallels between St. Petersburg and Tartu, both built on wooden piles, and Yaroslavl and Tartu, which was named Jurjev after being captured by Yaroslav the Wise. Sense how the city is painted by personal stories, becoming familiar and understandable.
