Street tour: Architecture of Veski street

Veski Street is one of Tartu’s most layered streets, where a journey of nearly one kilometer encompasses over a century of architectural and urban history. Along the way, we encounter the lush Historicism of the late 19th century, alongside the prestigious Art Nouveau, National Romanticism, and villa architecture of the early 20th century. Next to fraternity buildings and grand villas, we find churches, a courthouse, apartment buildings, a café, and other structures.

Veski Street was named after a Dutch windmill that once shaped the city skyline at the river end of the street. Having emerged nearly on the city border, the street became a favorite living area for university faculty and other intellectuals before World War I. Almost every house on this street has a colorful story to tell. This is a walk through three centuries of stories, buildings, and the people who have shaped one of Tartu’s most unique streets.