University of Tartu main building

The white-columned main building of Estonia's oldest university stands near the centre of Tartu, its classical portico a landmark of the town. Founded in 1632 under Swedish rule, the university shaped Estonian intellectual life and national awakening. The historic building holds ceremonial halls, an art collection of plaster casts and the former student lock-up, whose walls bear centuries of graffiti. As the heart of a living university, it anchors a quarter of academic buildings, museums and gardens spread across the surrounding streets.