Angel's Bridge

The Angel’s Bridge, located on Toome hill, was built in the 19th century and spans Lossi Street. The writing on the bridge, “otium reficit vires“ (rest restores strength), invites one to use Toome hill as a place of rejuvenation.

The bridge, designed by J.W. Krause, was built in 1814-1816 and replaced an earlier temporary bridge. The bridge was thoroughly renovated in 1913, at which time a bust-portrait of the university’s first rector, G. Fr. Parrot, and a dedication text, was placed on the bridge’s Toome Hill face (sculptor C. v. Wetter-Rosenthal). Toome Hill´s larger bridge is the yellow and white, classical style.

The name is thought to come from a linguistic twist - part of the hill is landscaped like an English garden and the words "English" (inglise) and Angel (ingel) are nearly the same in Estonian. Local tradition says that when crossing it, you should hold your breath and make a wish!

Reference: Tartu Tourism Information

Address

Lossi, Tartu, Estonia

Details

Founded: 1814-1816
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Estonia
Historical period: Part of the Russian Empire (Estonia)