Tartu (,
South Estonian:
Tarto) is the second largest city of
Estonia, following Estonia's political and financial capital
Tallinn. Tartu is often considered the intellectual centre of the country, especially since it is home to the nation's oldest and most renowned university, the
University of Tartu. The city also houses the
Supreme Court of Estonia and the Ministry of Education and Research. Situated southeast of Tallinn, Tartu lies on the
Emajõgi ("Mother river"), which connects the two largest lakes of Estonia. The city is served by
Tartu Airport.