Tartu Cathedral is one of the landmarks of the second largest Estonian city of Tartu. The building stands today as an imposing ruin above the lower town. The renovated part houses the History Museum of the University of Tartu, which is also used for large receptions at the University of Tartu.
The future Tartu Toompea on the Emajõgi River was probably one of the largest pagan Estonian strongholds from earliest times. It was destroyed in 1224 by the Christian invaders of Livonia. Shortly after the conquest, the Christians began to build a bishop's castle, the Castrum Tarbatae, at this strategic point. The castle was lost in a fire in 1667. The Dorpat observatory now stands on the spot. Archaeological excavations have uncovered parts of the old ramparts of the Estonian fortress.
The construction of a Gothic cathedral on the north side of Toompea probably started in the second half of the 13th century. It was surrounded by a cemetery and houses for members of the cathedral chapter. The cathedral was under the double patronage of the apostles Peter and Paul, the city patrons of Tartu. It was the main church of the diocese of Tartu and one of the largest sacred buildings in Eastern Europe.
The church was originally planned as a basilica and was later given the character of a hall church with the three-nave choir. In 1299 the choir and nave were already in use. Around 1470, the high chancel with its columns and arches was completed in the brick Gothic style. The cathedral was completed in the late 15th century with the erection of the two massive and fortress-like 66m high twin towers on the western facade. A wall separated the area of the Cathedral and the Bishop's Castle from Tartu's Lower Town.