Travelling Experiences

This year Tallinn is not only the capital and largest city of Estonia but also the European Capital of Culture 2011.

Situated on the northern coast of Estonia it lies on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Helsinki. As archeological finds show, people already settled in the area 5000 years ago. Tallinn has always been an important port for trade between Russia and Scandinavia and has been dominated by Germans, Swedes and Russians for long periods in history.

Tallinn © xJasonRogersx/flickr.com

The influences of the past can still be seen in Tallinn’s many sights. But it is also an important Baltic seaport and a modern city and a place of business in the 21st century.
Of course there are places in Tallinn you must see on your visit.

There is the Town Hall Square in the centre of the Old Town, surrounded by elaborate merchant houses and because of its many cafés a magnet for tourists.

St Mary’s Cathedral was established before 1233 and has often been rebuilt since. Located on Toompea Hill, it is also known as ‘Toomkirik’ and is the main Lutheran church in Estonia. It once used to be the church of the German nobles in Estonia and inside it you can still see the coats of arms from the 17th to the 20th century.

An important sight is the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds because it was here in 1988 that the ‘Singing Revolution’, a massive, musical demonstration against Soviet rule, started. Throughout the year a multitude of concerts and festivals are held.

From 1549 to 1625 13th century St Olav’s Church and Tower had been the tallest building in the world. The gigantic steeple had a height of 159 metres but it was struck by lightning three times and had to be rebuilt. Today it is only 124 metres high. But you still have a great view of the Old Town from up there. It is said that the church had served a group of Scandinavian merchants in who in the 13th century settled in the area and was dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway.

St Catherine’s Passage is the most picturesque lane in the Old Town. In the craft workshops artists use traditional methods to create glassware, hats, quilts, ceramics, jewellery, hand-painted silk and many others. Visitors can of course watch the artists and buy the goods.

Tallinn © netzanette/flickr.com

Also worth a visit is Kadriorg Palace which is home to the Kadriorg Art Museum. The magnificent northern baroque palace was built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine I, in 1718.
In the Kadriorg Art Museum hundreds of paintings by western and Russian artists of the 16th to 20th century are on display. You can also see there prints, sculptures and other works.

The Freedom Square is a vital piece of the city’s heritage and was given back to the residents of Tallinn in 2009. From the last days of the Tsars it had been a place of national symbolism and civic pride and is a popular public gathering spot.

Especially now in winter the Old Town of Tallinn is extremely beautiful with snow covering the gabled rooftops and outdoor candles in the cobblestone lanes. And of course this year many cultural events will take place in the city.