Tiigi Seltsimaja: Tartu’s “Castle” of whim and curiosity

VINCENT TEETSOV

High points on hills and mountains have always been preferrable for fortifications. In the 10th century, motte and bailey forts were dotted around northern France and the British isles, with wooden keeps and palisade walls built on artificial mounds or ones used for burials.

The city of Tartu was fortunate in that it already had a hill to work with. Toomemägi (“cathedral hill”) is a fundamental point in the city of Tartu. In the 7th century, defences lined the slope facing the Emajõgi, the river that runs through town.

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Photo: tiigiseltsimaja.tartu.ee