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Tallinn, Estonia |
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Tallinn, located on the Gulf of Finland, has a
complicated history due to its proximity to Sweden,
Finland, and Russia. Tallinn has had a rapid growth in
tourism with its major attractions being accessible by
foot or public transit, especially the Old Town, a
UNESCO World Heritage site and Kadriorg Park with its
outstanding museums.
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This view from our hotel room displays the contrast of Tallinn,
with its modern, high-tech sector surrounding the historical old
town.
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Several viewpoints from atop church spires and viewing platforms
such as Platkui offer sweeping views of Tallinn's rooftops and
skyline. |
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Tallinn's Old Town is the most intact medieval city in Europe,
retaining its original street layout and most of the buildings
in their original state.
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The barbican of Viru Gate was part of Tallinn's defensive
wall system built in the 14th Century. |
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The walls and towers of Medieval Old Town are intact. The Fat
Margaret cannon tower now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum. |
A viewpoint at Kohtuotsa takes in Old Town and the gothic spire of St. Olaf's Church
which was the tallest
building in Europe in the late 1500s.
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In the tourist areas, traditional horse-drawn wagons and
merchant carts are in use.
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Estonian youth are embracing their culture such as this
nyckelharpa performer at the Platkui viewing platform. |
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The upper town was a separate fortified area which has always
been the seat of whatever power ruled Estonia. Stenbock House is
the seat of the government.
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Sitting atop Toompea Hill, the richly decorated Alexander Nevsky
Orthodox Cathedral was constructed in the 1890's when Estonia
was part of the Russian Empire.
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St.Catherine's Lane houses 15th to 17th century workshops where
local artisans continue the tradition of open galleries where
viewers can observe glass-blowing, weaving or pottery making.
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A physical and symbolic wall separates the lower town, All-lin, from the Upper Town,
Toompea. Along the wall artists display their wares. |
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A poster at tourist shops highlights the design of Tallinn's
doors. |
Servers at the sidewalk cafes wear traditional dress. |
Flower vendors prepare and sell beautiful bouquets.
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Tallinn celebrates its traditional style and cuisine in many
ways.
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Kadriorg Palace, a seaside palace for Peter the Great
constructed in 1725, houses the Art Museum of Estonia.
(SvenEst, Wikimedia
Commons) |
The Estonian open-air museum is a reconstruction of a
rural/fishing village with about 200 buildings depicting
Estonian vernacular architecture from the past two centuries.
(Termer, Wikimedia Commons)
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Tallinn's International airport is named for Lennart Meri who
was the first president of the Republic of Estonia.
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A graphic protest in front of the Russian embassy is a reminder
that Estonia is in a geographically vulnerable position.
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Estonia has 3800 kilometers of coastline with several
beautiful beaches, one of the most popular being Parnu with its
shallow warm waters.
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Parnu also has a charming town center typical of the smaller
cities of Estonia.
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