In the 18th century, near the city hall square was built the stone bridge "Kivisild" (Tartu Kivisild), dedicated to the Empress Catherine II. In 1775 in Tartu there was a big fire which destroyed most of the city centre. The Empress has allocated funds for the reconstruction of the city, including the construction of the bridge.Work on construction of the bridge began in the spring of 1776. To traffic the bridge was opened in 1784. The construction took place under the leadership of I. A. Cablestogo and I. K. Sigfrido. This bridge, which became a Royal gift to the city, was built with granite blocks. The construction worked convicts parties to crush the revolt. The bridge with two arches, the middle part was lifting. He was the first in the Baltic countries stone bridge. His support was embossed text: "River, stay your course! Catherine told". Built Stone bridge has become a symbol of Tartu.

Unfortunately, during the Second world war the bridge was destroyed. Its wreckage was removed only during the construction period of the current pedestrian arch bridge. Reinforced concrete arches of the new bridge are based on the Foundation of the former Stone bridge. New arch bridge "Carsil" (Kaarsild) that connects the banks of the emajõgi river, was opened to pedestrians in 1960. In 2004, near the bridge installed, the layout of the former Stone bridge. In St. Petersburg there is the twin brother of stone bridge in Tartu. This Lomonosov bridge on the river Fontanka, built in 1785-1787.