Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia

May 05, 2014  •  Leave a Comment

The old town of Tallinn in the Baltic state Estonia is a wonderful example of a medieval city that has been saved through the ages.

We arrived by boat from Helsinki and this is a wonderful approach of Tallinn. It is clear to see the skyline of the old town and the modern town, nicely separated.  We stayed in Tallinn for about a week in the summer of 2013 and we rented an apartment in the cobbled streets of the old town. There are plenty hotels and apartments, only parking is a few blocks away. We were astonished by the western looks of the town, everywhere Wifi and a modern atmosphere in the old town.

The old town has several highlights like the old city walls which have been preservers beautifully. The city hall on the great square is a must. One can visit both the city hall itself and the tower (separate entrance, separate fee). The town hall is a wonderful old structure with great halls and wonderful wood carving, the top floor gives an idea of the restoration. The view from the tower is great and a must see. 

Toompea is the higher part of the old town and has the wonderful Alexandre Nevski Cathedral, an orthodox church with some resemblance of the red square in Moscow. Don't forget stroll along Toompea, sea the Estonian government buildings and do visit the various points were you have a beautiful look over the old town.

Three churches are worth mentioning. The St Olaf's church, this used to be the highest building in the world. St. NIcholes Church with its wonderful interior and painting of the Dance Macabre.  A little gem is the church of the holy ghost. Another remarkable tower in Tallinn. In the old town you will also find a House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, also to be found in Riga Latvia.  You will find two modern monuments in Tallinn, the first is a monument for the ferry that sank in the Baltic Sea, the greatest is the monument on the freedom of Estonia. 

Also worth mentioning, although it doesn't belong to the World heritage Site is the Kadriog Palace. 


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