Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Toomkirik

Tartu (German Dorpat) is the second-largest city in Estonia, after Tallinn. In the early 11th century Yaroslav I the Wise, Prince of Kiev, invaded the region and after a victorious battle with the locals built his own fort there, Tartu probably remained under Kievan control until 1061, when the fort was burned down by an Estonian tribe. Soon afterwards the fort was rebuilt. During the Northern Crusades in the beginning of the 13th century, the fort was captured by the crusading Brothers of the Sword — and recaptured by Estonians. In 1224 the fort was besieged and conquered for one last time by the Teutonic crusaders. Subsequently, Dorpat became a commercial centre of considerable importance during the later Middle Ages and the capital of the semi-independent Bishopric of Dorpat. German merchants and artisans settled alongside the bishop's fortress. In the 1280s Dorpat joined the Hanseatic League. In 1558, tsar Ivan the Terrible invaded Tartu beginning the Livonian War. His forces encircled the town. After a heavy bombardment, the town surrendered. In 1582, the city became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598. A Jesuit grammar school "Gymnasium Dorpatense" was established in 1583. In the effect of the Polish-Swedish War, in 1625 Tartu was captured by Sweden. The city became part of the Dominions of Sweden, which led to the foundation of the University of Tartu in 1632 by king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. So the University of Tartu is Estonia´s oldest and still most renowned university In 1704 the town was taken by the Russians army. In 1708 the fortifications and houses, including the remains of bishops castle, were blown up, all movable property was looted and the citizens deported to Russia. In 1721, the city became part of the Russian Empire and was known as Derpt. A great fire in 1775 destroyed most of the buildings in the centre. The city was rebuilt along Late Baroque and Neoclassical lines. During the second half of the 19th century, Tartu was the cultural centre for Estonians in the era of Romantic nationalism. The city hosted Estonia's first song festival in 1869. Most of Toomemäe (Toom Hill) where the ruins of the cathedral are located and where the bishop's castle used to be, is now covered by a park laid out in the 19th century. The observatory was built in 1808-1810. It lies on the site of the former bishop´s castle. The tower of the building was originally topped by a dome. In 1825 the tower was rebuilt to house Fraunhofer-refractor, which at that time was the biggest in the world.

Tartu (German Dorpat) is the second-largest city in Estonia, after Tallinn. In the early 11th century Yaroslav I the Wise, Prince of Kiev, invaded the region and after a victorious battle with the locals built his own fort there, Tartu probably remained under Kievan control until 1061, when the fort was burned down by an Estonian tribe. Soon afterwards the fort was rebuilt. During the Northern Crusades in the beginning of the 13th century, the fort was captured by the crusading Brothers of the Sword — and recaptured by Estonians. In 1224 the fort was besieged and conquered for one last time by the Teutonic crusaders. Subsequently, Dorpat became a commercial centre of considerable importance during the later Middle Ages and the capital of the semi-independent Bishopric of Dorpat. German merchants and artisans settled alongside the bishop's fortress. In the 1280s Dorpat joined the Hanseatic League. In 1558, tsar Ivan the Terrible invaded Tartu beginning the Livonian War. His forces encircled the town. After a heavy bombardment, the town surrendered. In 1582, the city became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598. A Jesuit grammar school "Gymnasium Dorpatense" was established in 1583. In the effect of the Polish-Swedish War, in 1625 Tartu was captured by Sweden. The city became part of the Dominions of Sweden, which led to the foundation of the University of Tartu in 1632 by king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. So the University of Tartu is Estonia´s oldest and still most renowned university In 1704 the town was taken by the Russians army. In 1708 the fortifications and houses, including the remains of bishops castle, were blown up, all movable property was looted and the citizens deported to Russia. In 1721, the city became part of the Russian Empire and was known as Derpt. A great fire in 1775 destroyed most of the buildings in the centre. The city was rebuilt along Late Baroque and Neoclassical lines. During the second half of the 19th century, Tartu was the cultural centre for Estonians in the era of Romantic nationalism. The city hosted Estonia's first song festival in 1869. Most of Toomemäe Toom Hill) where the ruins of the cathedral are located and where the bishop's castle used to be, is now covered by a park laid out in the 19th century. The old Rotund Cafe fits beautifully into this green scenery.

Tartu (German Dorpat) is the second-largest city in Estonia, after Tallinn. In the early 11th century Yaroslav I the Wise, Prince of Kiev, invaded the region and after a victorious battle with the locals built his own fort there, Tartu probably remained under Kievan control until 1061, when the fort was burned down by an Estonian tribe. Soon afterwards the fort was rebuilt. During the Northern Crusades in the beginning of the 13th century, the fort was captured by the crusading Brothers of the Sword — and recaptured by Estonians. In 1224 the fort was besieged and conquered for one last time by the Teutonic crusaders. Subsequently, Dorpat became a commercial centre of considerable importance during the later Middle Ages and the capital of the semi-independent Bishopric of Dorpat. German merchants and artisans settled alongside the bishop's fortress. In the 1280s Dorpat joined the Hanseatic League. In 1558, tsar Ivan the Terrible invaded Tartu beginning the Livonian War. His forces encircled the town. After a heavy bombardment, the town surrendered. In 1582, the city became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598. A Jesuit grammar school "Gymnasium Dorpatense" was established in 1583. In the effect of the Polish-Swedish War, in 1625 Tartu was captured by Sweden. The city became part of the Dominions of Sweden, which led to the foundation of the University of Tartu in 1632 by king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. So the University of Tartu is Estonia´s oldest and still most renowned university In 1704 the town was taken by the Russians army. In 1708 the fortifications and houses, including the remains of bishops castle, were blown up, all movable property was looted and the citizens deported to Russia. In 1721, the city became part of the Russian Empire and was known as Derpt. A great fire in 1775 destroyed most of the buildings in the centre. The city was rebuilt along Late Baroque and Neoclassical lines. During the second half of the 19th century, Tartu was the cultural centre for Estonians in the era of Romantic nationalism. The city hosted Estonia's first song festival in 1869. The construction of the cathedral, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, was begun in the second half of the 13th century. It was the seat of the Bishopric of Dorpat. The choir and nave were already in use by 1299. About 1470 the high quire with its pillars and arches was completed in Brick Gothic style. The cathedral was completed at the end of the 15th century with the building of the two massive fortress-like towers, originally 66 meters high. A wall separated the cathedral grounds and the bishop's fortified residence from the lower town. After the Reformation had reached Tartu in the 1520s the cathedral was badly damaged by Protestant iconoclasts, after which it fell increasingly into decay. After the deportation to Russia of the last Bishop of Dorpat, the cathedral church was abandoned. In 1629 new (now Swedish) rulers showed little interest in the derelict building, which fell further into ruin and neglect. The main part of the church served as a barn. In the 1760s the two towers were reduced from 66 meters to 22 meters, the level of the nave roof, and made into a platform for a cannon. The main portal was walled up at this time. With the re-founding of the (German-speaking) university by Tsar Alexander I in 1802, an architect was commissioned to build among the cathedral ruins the university library. So within the ruined choir, a three-story building was erected between 1804 and 1807. When the library was replaced in 1981 by a new university library building, the old library became the home of the historical museum of the University of Tartu.

Tartu (German Dorpat) is the second-largest city in Estonia, after Tallinn. In the early 11th century Yaroslav I the Wise, Prince of Kiev, invaded the region and after a victorious battle with the locals built his own fort there, Tartu probably remained under Kievan control until 1061, when the fort was burned down by an Estonian tribe. Soon afterwards the fort was rebuilt. During the Northern Crusades in the beginning of the 13th century, the fort was captured by the crusading Brothers of the Sword — and recaptured by Estonians. In 1224 the fort was besieged and conquered for one last time by the Teutonic crusaders. Subsequently, Dorpat became a commercial centre of considerable importance during the later Middle Ages and the capital of the semi-independent Bishopric of Dorpat. German merchants and artisans settled alongside the bishop's fortress. In the 1280s Dorpat joined the Hanseatic League. In 1558, tsar Ivan the Terrible invaded Tartu beginning the Livonian War. His forces encircled the town. After a heavy bombardment, the town surrendered. In 1582, the city became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598. A Jesuit grammar school "Gymnasium Dorpatense" was established in 1583. In the effect of the Polish-Swedish War, in 1625 Tartu was captured by Sweden. The city became part of the Dominions of Sweden, which led to the foundation of the University of Tartu in 1632 by king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. So the University of Tartu is Estonia´s oldest and still most renowned university In 1704 the town was taken by the Russians army. In 1708 the fortifications and houses, including the remains of bishops castle, were blown up, all movable property was looted and the citizens deported to Russia. In 1721, the city became part of the Russian Empire and was known as Derpt. A great fire in 1775 destroyed most of the buildings in the centre. The city was rebuilt along Late Baroque and Neoclassical lines. During the second half of the 19th century, Tartu was the cultural centre for Estonians in the era of Romantic nationalism. The city hosted Estonia's first song festival in 1869. The construction of the cathedral, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, was begun in the second half of the 13th century. It was the seat of the Bishopric of Dorpat. The choir and nave were already in use by 1299. About 1470 the high quire with its pillars and arches was completed in Brick Gothic style. The cathedral was completed at the end of the 15th century with the building of the two massive fortress-like towers, originally 66 meters high. A wall separated the cathedral grounds and the bishop's fortified residence from the lower town. After the Reformation had reached Tartu in the 1520s the cathedral was badly damaged by Protestant iconoclasts, after which it fell increasingly into decay. After the deportation to Russia of the last Bishop of Dorpat, the cathedral church was abandoned. In 1629 new (now Swedish) rulers showed little interest in the derelict building, which fell further into ruin and neglect. The main part of the church served as a barn. In the 1760s the two towers were reduced from 66 meters to 22 meters, the level of the nave roof, and made into a platform for a cannon. The main portal was walled up at this time.

Tartu - Toomkirik Tartu (German Dorpat) is the second-largest city in Estonia, after Tallinn. In the early 11th century Yaroslav I the Wise, Prince of Kiev, invaded the region, and after a victorious battle with the locals built his own fort there, Tartu probably remained under Kievan control until 1061, when the fort was burned down by an Estonian tribe. Soon afterward the fort was rebuilt. During the Northern Crusades at the beginning of the 13th century, the fort was captured by the crusading Brothers of the Sword — and recaptured by Estonians. In 1224 the fort was besieged and conquered for one last time by the Teutonic crusaders. Subsequently, Dorpat became a commercial centre of considerable importance during the later Middle Ages and the capital of the semi-independent Bishopric of Dorpat. German merchants and artisans settled alongside the bishop's fortress. In the 1280s Dorpat joined the Hanseatic League. In 1558, tsar Ivan the Terrible invaded Tartu beginning the Livonian War. His forces encircled the town. After a heavy bombardment, the town surrendered. In 1582, the city became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598. A Jesuit grammar school "Gymnasium Dorpatense" was established in 1583. In the effect of the Polish-Swedish War, in 1625 Tartu was captured by Sweden. The city became part of the Dominions of Sweden, which led to the foundation of the University of Tartu in 1632 by king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. So the University of Tartu is Estonia´s oldest and still most renowned university In 1704 the town was taken by the Russian army. In 1708 the fortifications and houses, including the remains of the bishop's castle, were blown up, all movable property was looted and the citizens were deported to Russia. In 1721, the city became part of the Russian Empire and was known as Derpt. A great fire in 1775 destroyed most of the buildings in the centre. The city was rebuilt along Late Baroque and Neoclassical lines. During the second half of the 19th century, Tartu was the cultural center for Estonians in the era of Romantic nationalism. The city hosted Estonia's first song festival in 1869. The construction of the cathedral, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, was begun in the second half of the 13th century. It was the seat of the Bishopric of Dorpat. The choir and nave were already in use by 1299. About 1470 the high quire with its pillars and arches was completed in Brick Gothic style. The cathedral was completed at the end of the 15th century with the building of the two massive fortress-like towers, originally 66 meters high. A wall separated the cathedral grounds and the bishop's fortified residence from the lower town. After the Reformation had reached Tartu in the 1520s the cathedral was badly damaged by Protestant iconoclasts, after which it fell increasingly into decay. After the deportation to Russia of the last Bishop of Dorpat, the cathedral church was abandoned. In 1629 new (now Swedish) rulers showed little interest in the derelict building, which fell further into ruin and neglect. The main part of the church served as a barn. In the 1760s the two towers were reduced from 66 meters to 22 meters, the level of the nave roof, and made into a platform for a cannon. The main portal was walled up at this time.

Haapsalu dates back to 1279, when it was chartered and became the centre of the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek, which it remained for the next 300 years until the seat was moved to the island of Saaremaa. The impressive Bishop's Castle, situated on an artificial hill, surrounded by an 803 m long wall and preserved as a ruin, is still a reminder of this time. The town lost its importance, but at the beginning of the 19th century the healing properties of Haapsalu's mud were discovered and the first sanatorium was founded in 1825. Haapsalu developed into a fashionable health resort. Even the Russian tsar's family Romanov appreciated the spa. In 1228, shortly after the Christianisation of Estonia and Livonia, the bishopric of Ösel-Wiek got established. In 1234, William of Modena, as papal legate, defined its boundaries. The first residence of the diocese was in the castle of Lihula until 1251. After disputes with the Livonian Order, the bishop's residence moved to Pärnu, but it was burnt down there by the Lithuanians. So Haapsalu was chosen as the new centre of the diocese. The first phase of the construction of the castle was completed around 1300. In the 14th century, two square towers were added to the north side of the castle. In the 15th century, a cloister was built in the inner courtyard. At the end of the 15th century, the walls were further strengthened. The largest dimensions of the castle were more than three hectares. The Toomkirik (Haapsalu Cathedral) is, with a floor area of 425 m², one of the largest single-nave churches in the Baltic States. When the church was built, the design regulations of the Cistercian Order were followed, as the first bishop Gottfried was abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Dünamünde before he became bishop here. After Estonia became part of the Lutheran Swedish kingdom, the cathedral became a church with a Lutheran congregation. In 1625, the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf sold the town of Haapsalu, the castle and the nearby land property. In 1688 the churchßs roof was destroyed by fire. The congregation could not afford the renovation and moved to the town church. In 1886–1889, the church was renovated and rebuilt. The ruined Romanesque-style portal was replaced by the pseudo-Gothic "stepped portal". The Soviet occupation in 1940 led to the closing of the church. The church was empty for years; for some time it was used for storing grain.

Haapsalu dates back to 1279, when it was chartered and became the centre of the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek, which it remained for the next 300 years until the seat was moved to the island of Saaremaa. The impressive Bishop's Castle, situated on an artificial hill, surrounded by an 803 m long wall and preserved as a ruin, is still a reminder of this time. The town lost its importance, but at the beginning of the 19th century the healing properties of Haapsalu's mud were discovered and the first sanatorium was founded in 1825. Haapsalu developed into a fashionable health resort. Even the Russian tsar's family Romanov appreciated the spa. In 1228, shortly after the Christianisation of Estonia and Livonia, the bishopric of Ösel-Wiek got established. In 1234, William of Modena, as papal legate, defined its boundaries. The first residence of the diocese was in the castle of Lihula until 1251. After disputes with the Livonian Order, the bishop's residence moved to Pärnu, but it was burnt down there by the Lithuanians. So Haapsalu was chosen as the new centre of the diocese. The first phase of the construction of the castle was completed around 1300. In the 14th century, two square towers were added to the north side of the castle. In the 15th century, a cloister was built in the inner courtyard. At the end of the 15th century, the walls were further strengthened. The largest dimensions of the castle were more than three hectares. The Toomkirik (Haapsalu Cathedral) is, with a floor area of 425 m², one of the largest single-nave churches in the Baltic States. When the church was built, the design regulations of the Cistercian Order were followed, as the first bishop Gottfried was abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Dünamünde before he became bishop here. After Estonia became part of the Lutheran Swedish kingdom, the cathedral became a church with a Lutheran congregation. In 1625, the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf sold the town of Haapsalu, the castle and the nearby land property. In 1688 the churchßs roof was destroyed by fire. The congregation could not afford the renovation and moved to the town church. In 1886–1889, the church was renovated and rebuilt. The ruined Romanesque-style portal was replaced by the pseudo-Gothic "stepped portal". The Soviet occupation in 1940 led to the closing of the church. The church was empty for years; for some time it was used for storing grain.