Located in the Baltic region of Europe, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. This city is an old and culturally rich city that retains its cobblestone streets and walled Old Town. It has a 13th-century Gothic Town Hall with a 64m-high tower.
Old Town
Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, Tallinn's Old Town offers something for everyone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval architecture and lively cafe culture. It's also home to a number of fascinating museums and galleries. There are even a number of free walking tours.
You can start your visit at the main gate, which is located in the heart of the Old Town. This historic structure is made up of coned roofs and round towers. At night, it illuminates. The building was a part of the city's wall defense system.
Next, head to the Town Hall Square, where you will find the Gothic building. There is a spire vane on the top of the tower, which is a symbol of the city. The building is now a concert hall and the Art Museum of Estonia.
The Town Hall is surrounded by a number of markets that sell traditional Estonian souvenirs. This area is known as Raekoja Plats, which means "the heart of the city." The market is one of the oldest in Europe and has served as a market since the 11th century.
For art lovers, you will want to stop by the Kadriorg Palace, which is built in the style of Italian palaces of the time. It's home to a wide variety of national and international art pieces. The building also features a children's museum called Miiamilla.
Toompea Hill
Located in the central part of Tallinn, Toompea Hill is one of the most important symbols of power in Estonia. It has been built and rebuilt countless times by various rulers over the centuries, and is today home to the Estonian Parliament.
The castle is located on top of the hill, which offers good views of Tallinn. It is also a great place to visit for history buffs. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Knights of the Sword built a fortress on the hill to defend Tallinn. In 1219, Danish crusaders took over the castle. After independence in 1918, the castle became the seat of the Estonian parliament.
The castle is now home to the Estonian parliament and there are free tours of the inside. There is a public gallery that allows viewing of the parliament during its sessions. The interior of the cathedral is a highlight, as is the inner mosaics.
In addition to the castle, there are many other sights to see in Tallinn. The Carved Stone Museum is a collection of over 200 pieces of stone work dating from the 15th century. You can learn about the history of the town's walls as you walk along them.
The War of Independence Victory Column is a memorial to Estonia's battle for independence from 1918 to 1920. The column is shaped like a cross of liberty and lights up at night. The monument has caused controversy with locals, but it is still considered to be a very important landmark.
Old excise chamber
Amongst the many Tallinn attractions, the old excise chamber is one of the most intriguing sights. This is an edifice which dates back to the Viking age and has ministerial relics that are still in use today.
This is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn and was built in the mid-13th century. It was damaged ten times by lightning and fire during the 18th century. It is also known for its Baroque tower. The church was named after King Olaf II of Norway.
There is a small but interesting museum on site with over 200 pieces of 15th century stone work. The museum also has a mini museum of early health care techniques. This is a great way to learn about the health care system in Estonia.
Other Tallinn attractions include the Great Guild Hall and a castle. The Great Guild Hall is a building which once served as a merchants' guild. The exhibit 'Spirit of Survival' explains the history of Estonia and includes interactive displays. The exhibit also features numismatic relics from the Viking era.
The Old Town is a picturesque place to explore, with beautiful medieval buildings and cobbled streets. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes. The area is also home to a number of churches and museums. There is also a park and a Japanese garden. There are also several swan ponds. It is a lovely place to see in the winter.
St. Nicholas' Church and Museum
Located inside of the old town of Tallinn, the St. Nicholas' Church and Museum is a museum of ecclesiastical art. This church was built in the 13th century and was named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of merchants and sailors. It was one of the wealthiest churches in the town during the medieval times.
This building is a popular tourist attraction in Tallinn. It is also one of the most popular attractions in Estonia. It has a great view of the Baltic Sea. There is a free entry for visitors. It is closed during winter.
The Estonian Maritime Museum is an intriguing museum that shows the maritime history of Estonia. The museum was founded in 1935 by a former military captain. The museum moves around often, but is currently housed in the Fat Margaret Tower. There are several different exhibits, including a 700-year-old wreck Koge.
The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This district is home to half-hidden courtyards, medieval castles, merchants' houses, and craftsmen's guilds. It has retained its medieval names, but has also developed into a creative hub.
The Tallinn Christmas Market is held in the Old Town and finishes the first week of January. The market is run by citizens. It is the best time to visit.
The Kadrioge Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Estonia. It was constructed by Russian Tsar Peter I of Russia for his wife Catherine.
Seaplane Harbour
Located in Tallinn's Old Town, Seaplane Harbour is one of the most exciting attractions to visit in the capital of Estonia. It's a huge hangar that's home to historic boats and seaplanes, plus an outdoor harbour that features modern yachts and military vessels. It also houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.
Its three floors of exhibitions feature a variety of seafaring heritage. In addition to traditional sailing ships and antique ships, there is also a miniature Bay of Tallinn with remote-control warships. The floor also contains a large maritime chart and a painting spread over fourteen canvases, which give visitors a unique perspective on military technology.
The museum offers a full-scale replica of the Short Type 184 seaplane, the only full-scale representation of this aircraft in the world. The museum has a simulator to fly the seaplane and a range of other interactive displays to explain the history of the submarine. It also has a cafe that serves local fish soup.
Besides its seaplanes, the museum has a collection of historical ships, including the Lembit, a World War II submarine. It has a rich interior that includes several types of mines and torpedoes. The submarine has a number of simulators to explore its underwater and surface level, as well as a cafe. The Estonian Maritime Museum is one of the largest museums in the country.
The museum's director, Urmas Dresen, was named person of the year in 2012 by Postimees newspaper.
Tallinn TV Tower
Known as the Tallinn Teletorn in Estonian, the TV tower is one of the most prominent landmarks in Tallinn. It was built for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, and is now an important symbol of Estonian independence.
The tower's height is a massive 314 meters. It is a freestanding structure that consists of a 190 metre reinforced concrete tower, with an axis extending 124 metres above the ground. The structure features a steel mast on top, which is 82 metres in diameter at its base. The walls of the tower are incredibly thick, ranging from 350 to 500 mm in thickness. The upper part of the tower is reinforced to ensure its stability in storm conditions.
The tower has an observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city. The tower is also home to an interactive exhibition, which highlights Estonia's achievements throughout the years. It also offers a special panorama programme, which enables visitors to see the city from a different perspective.
The TV Tower is also home to a brasserie-restaurant, which is located on the 22nd floor. The restaurant serves multi-course meals in the sky. The restaurant is accessed by a high-speed elevator that takes 49 seconds to reach the observation deck.
The TV Tower has an observation deck, which is the tallest open viewing platform in Northern Europe. This observation deck has an interactive screen, which allows users to enjoy a three-dimensional movie. It also has a children's play area.
