Postcard Friendship Friday - Tartu University

I've always had a thing for singleview cards of beautiful buildings. Maybe it's because my best friend is an architect, or maybe it's because I love beauty in all its forms. The truth is that this kcard is quite stunning.

It was sent from Estonia and shows the University of Tartu. It took me a while to identify the building, because there is hardly any written information on the back of the card. It is located in Tartu, the 2nd largest city in Estonia. Regarded by most Estonians as the country's "national university", it is the highest ranked university in Estonia. It was established by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1632.

In the photo you can see its main building, built in 1809 in the neoclassical style. It houses the oldest museum in the University - the Art Museum.

It looks quite amazing. I wouldn't mind attending a few classes here myself. I would be proud of it. Hey, maybe one day - who knows, right?

source: wikipedia

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Pavlovsk's Park

This card sent by larisa, from Russia, shows the Rose Pavilion, one of many in Pavlovsk's Park, sourounding its Grand Palace.

Pavlovsk is a town located 30 km (19 mi) from St. Petersburg, Russia, near the Slavyanka River. It was granted in 1777, by Catherine the Great, to her son Paul upon the birth of his first son. In 1780, the scottish architect Charles Cameron was made responsible for the construction of a Grand Palace in Pavlovsk, to be used as a Country Residence of the Russian Imperial Family. The construction and most landscaping was concluded in 1825. The residential complex harbours an imense park, a Palace, several pavilions and monuments, covering around 1,500 acres. It holds a collection of rare furniture, porcelain, glass works and art. After Paul's death, the Palace became the residence of its widower, Maria Fedorovna.

The Rose Pavilion was erected in the 19th century and it was designed by A. Voronikhin. It is surounded by rose gardens, hence its name. Everything in its decor was based on the rose theme. For several decades it was a gathering place for artists and writers.

The complex was destroyed during WWII and was later restaured.

I was already impressed by the card's beauty but after doing a quick search on the Internet I was stunned by Pavlovsk's beauty and rich history. If you have the time, I suggest you do the same. You won't regret it.

source: wikipedia; alexanderpalace.org