European map in Tartu

European heritage stories

Urban Hjärne

Urban Hjärne

1641 — 10. III 1724

Multitalented scholar

Country of origin: Sweden

Associated place in Tartu: Jaani 8

Lived in Tartu: 1655–1656

What splendid omens! To understand this better, just consider that TARTU is a city in Livonia that is in the Duchy of Estonia and is considered the pride of all of Livonia …. As many people travel through here when heading from Germany to Muscovy, Lithuania and elsewhere and deal with trading, the renown of the city keeps spreading ever further.

Johann Risingh, Speech about the city of Tartu in 1637

Gallery
Urban Hjärne Country of origin: Sweden Image: University of Tartu Library, Fo3405 22b

Image: University of Tartu Library, Fo3405 22b

The second main building of the Swedish-era Academia Gustaviana across from St. John’s Church

Originating from Ingria, the son of a Swedish clergyman, Urban Hjärne studied at the Academia Gustaviana in Tartu, then in Uppsala and Angers University, and also travelled in Holland and England. As a physician, he also dealt with chemistry and geology and wrote poetry, plays and a novel. He possessed a mineral collection and a library large for its time. Hjärne developed mines in Sweden, established the first spas, denounced the burning of witches and invented medicinal products. According to unconfirmed reports, he had 26 children.