Reviews about holidays in Tallinn. Sights of Tallinn - the most complete list of all interesting places in the city, photos, personal experience, map of attractions! Is it possible to swim in Tallinn
Holiday impressions in October
It is worth considering a visit to Tallinn at this time of year from a cultural point of view. It is very cold for a beach holiday, but you can always walk along the promenade, breathe in the sea air and enjoy the views. Tallinn is a fabulous city with a pleasant, calm atmosphere. The sea at this time of year, although cold, is beautiful. We spent only two days in Tallinn, but we were not only in the old town, but also went to Pirita beach to appreciate all the delights of the sea in Tallinn.
Why is it better to vacation in July?
I would like to come to the seaside in the summer months, but my work schedule does not allow it. In summer it is much more pleasant to explore the old city, walk along new streets, and relax on Pirita. Perhaps we would even be able to swim, although the Baltic is unpredictable, and the winds are sometimes brutal even in the very heat. By the way, they say that Pirita is a wonderful place for kitesurfers. It is interesting to look at the yachts, fishermen, and perhaps try yourself in some of the water sports.
Family holiday
First of all, Tallinn is quiet, leisurely, beautiful and tranquil. The listed qualities embody for me an ideal family vacation.
We actively spend weekends and vacations, so we walked a lot around Tallinn, did not use the services of a guide, but explored the streets, sights, and admired the sea ourselves. For fans there are plenty of opportunities to see the city in a playful way. There is a lot of information on the Internet about quests that take place in nature or in the historical center.
The streets are clean, there are many playgrounds, squares and benches, equipped recreation areas. An opportunity to spend active time with the whole family, ride bicycles, rollerblades or scooters. Good roads, don't know what pothole repair is)
Pet owners were pleased - we saw a lot of people walking their dogs. The animals are neat, happy, and walk in the designated areas - and there are plenty of places. Each square is equipped with bins and bags for cleaning up animal waste products.
What to take with you on vacation?
Windbreakers, sweaters, gloves, scarves - clothes that will make you comfortable in windy and cold weather.
Be sure to bring wet wipes, especially when traveling with children. They will want nuts or street baked goods, and there is also somewhere to get dirty at the sea.
Comfortable shoes - sneakers, sneakers or boots - will not hurt - the old town is completely paved, uneven, up and down the slope. To see everything you need to have good physical fitness and not give up when you see the road going up.
Where is the best place to stay?
There are many hotels in the city, you can always find a place to suit your taste and budget. Often discount sites have coupons for rooms, take advantage of the offer and spend the weekend to your heart's content. There are many hostels in Tallinn where you can rent a bed to sleep. When choosing a hostel, pay attention to the accommodation conditions, the possibility of using the kitchen and bathroom. For 15-20 euros you can find a small room in a hotel or hostel for one night.
What to do at the resort?
Be sure to visit the old town, soak up its atmosphere, take a walk, take part in a theatrical performance, have lunch in a medieval cellar, try beer and soup in a loaf of bread. Take a look around the modern city and get lost in it. Go on a quest - get out of the room, drink coffee and pastries. Visit the markets and buy yourself some souvenirs. And then go to the seaside and give your soul a gift. Enjoy the freshness of the piercing wind, fly a naughty kite, breathe in the pine forest, and explore the ruins of the Pirita Monastery.
When you have completed the minimum program, think about what you would like to do next - there are many places for a good holiday in Tallinn. On our last visit, we visited the TV tower and went to the Kumu Museum of Contemporary Art. Next time we want to visit the shipping museum.
We were on Pirita beach, so I can only tell you about it. Its undoubted advantages are white sand, clear water and a pine forest 10 meters from the beach. A place for sporty family leisure, the place is popular, so don’t expect to stroll through it in splendid isolation. On the beach there are sports complexes, swings for children, and exercise equipment.
The pier offers a picturesque view and a wonderful view of the old city.
But the water is almost always cold. Even in the middle of summer, not everyone risks cooling off at sea.
The pine strip is not wide, but is perfect for walking. Previously, there was a whole forest in its place, but the area is gradually being built up, new roads are being built. The beach can be reached by bus, ticket prices start from 1 euro. By the way, travel is free for Estonians.
There are paved paths everywhere - pedestrian and bicycle. Many restaurants, pizzerias and cafes. Parking spaces for cars with centralized payment through the terminal.
In the summer months, inflatable towns, trampolines and many other activities are a paradise for children.
You can eat everywhere, by the sea, in the old town. We were in a large restaurant (probably it can be described as a pub). an atmospheric place, with large wooden tables, waiters and waitresses dressed in national costumes. Delicious beer, many varieties, excellent but extremely simple food. We tried soup in a loaf of bread - we ate two types, one spicy in black bread, the other puree soup in white.
We tried the big pretzels. Blood sausage with stewed cabbage.
On the street they took hot mulled wine and nuts breaded with spices.
We tried tomato soup the next day at a cafe in the city. But they never dared to savor the pig ears - they saved the delicacy until the next visit!)
Pros of holidays in Tallinn
1. Cleanliness and order
2. Caring for people and the environment
3. Lots of entertainment for tourists
4. Beautiful beach and pine trees
Disadvantages of holidays in Tallinn
The cold sea is perhaps the only negative. But we were not at all upset, because there is a lot to see in Estonia, and it is useful not so much to feel the sea on your skin as to breathe its clean air and enjoy the view.
Is it worth a holiday in Tallinn?
I love the cold Baltic, I love leisurely and tranquil, so I will definitely come again. The color of Tallinn cannot be compared with anything - it’s a little fairy tale. Next time I want to go to the Christmas market, see the Christmas tree on Town Hall Square and listen to Christmas songs.
Helpful information?
Impressions from a holiday in January
During the winter holidays of 2014, to my great regret, no snow was brought to Tallinn. It was a rainy, warm January. I really wanted to see the medieval city in the setting of a Christmas fairy tale, but this time it didn’t work out. But the weather allowed us to walk for an unlimited time in the old city and along the sea. I really liked the deserted winter beach in Pirita, where swans walked (they probably never fly to warmer climes). Among the best photos was the Oleviste roof in the fog, glistening with drizzle. Of course, you won’t be able to swim in the sea in winter. To be fair, I have no idea whether the Baltics are warm enough for sea swimming. But this aspect of relaxation does not interest me. I always come to the sea just to look at it. The winter sea in Tallinn is an unforgettable sight.
What to do at the resort?
In winter, even if the winter is warm, you don’t want to go far from the city center, so I explored only two directions: the monastery in Pirita and the Rocca al Mare ethnopark. "Ethnic Village" is an impressive nature reserve in a coniferous forest on the seashore. It contains more than twenty buildings brought from various parts of the country: rural houses, baths, forges, mills. If there is a school, a store and a church. As planned, a museum worker sits in each object, pretending to be a local resident, and goes about his business, occasionally communicating with visitors. During the cold season, most of the houses are closed to the public and can only be viewed from the outside. Maybe this is not bad - even in winter it took almost the whole day to explore the park. The collection is constantly being replenished - for example, in January 2014, when I was walking through the park, a house of a Russian Pomor was being installed in it - representatives of this subethnic group settled in some eastern regions of Estonia. Perhaps this new exhibit is now ready and open. About the monastery in Pirita, so as not to occupy your attention, I will say only two things. first, lovers of medieval architecture and ancient cemeteries should definitely see it. second - admission to it is free.
Moderately expensive, but very interesting and artistic excursions are offered on Town Hall Square by people dressed as monks. A tour of the old city is turned into a torchlight procession, during which the monk guide (fake, of course) tells real scary stories about the times of the Inquisition, murders and ghosts. I like to play such games - throw away skepticism and let yourself be scared, so the excursion tickled my nerves and really enjoyed it.
Tallinn has amazing knitwear, and there is really a lot of it here. But the most valuable thing is that he is truly Estonian. For real items of European quality made in a European country, local knitwear costs just a penny. It is also very valuable that the patterns that you will see on local knitted items are real ethnic patterns. Each craftswoman and each master repeats the techniques and designs adopted in the area where each of them comes from. When buying local clothing, take home a unique piece of the country with you. And these things are very warm and stylish.
Tallinn (Estonia) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Tallinn with descriptions, guides and maps.
Tallinn city (Estonia)
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the Baltic states, located on the northeastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is a major port and the most interesting city in Estonia. Tallinn is an amazing combination of antiquity and modernity. Particularly impressive is the well-preserved old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical center of Tallinn is a charming atmosphere of the Middle Ages and the old Hanseatic city: a city wall with towers, an interweaving of winding cobbled streets, ancient houses, interesting sights, historical and architectural monuments.
Tallinn can be roughly divided into two parts: the new and the old city. The Old Town includes:
- Toompea hill (Vyshgorod) - a medieval fortress with old streets covered with paving stones, medieval houses and historical and architectural monuments that surround fragments of the city wall
- lower city - adjacent to the city wall and lies at the base of the hill.
The new city contrasts strongly with the historical center, representing classic Soviet buildings, diluted with modern high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete.
Practical information about the city
- The population of Tallinn is about 450 thousand inhabitants. Of these, more than 50% are Estonians and almost 40% are Russians.
- The official language is Estonian. Russian is very common. English and German are also in use.
- Currency - euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Among the religious denominations, Orthodox and Lutherans predominate.
- Time: winter +2, summer +3.
- Visa - Schengen.
Best time to visit
Despite the fact that Tallinn is beautiful and interesting in any weather, we consider summer and early autumn (until October) to be the best time to visit. At this time it is quite warm and the weather is usually good. Another magical time is New Year and Christmas. At this time, a fabulous atmosphere reigns in Tallinn, with Christmas fairs and bazaars taking place.
Geography and climate
Tallinn is geographically located in Northern Europe in the southern part of the Gulf of Riga, which is part of the Baltic Sea, 80 km from the capital of Finland - Helsinki. The relief is quite flat. The highest point of Tallinn (64 m) is located in its southwestern part. Within the city there are several large lakes, the largest of which is Ülemiste.
Tallinn's climate is temperate maritime with high humidity. The Tallinn climate is characterized by: fairly mild winters with slight frosts and thaws, cool springs, warm summers and rainy autumns. The average temperature in July-August is 15-20 degrees.
Story
Tallinn is a fairly old city. Its history goes back more than 8 centuries. The first written mentions of the city date back to 1154. At that time there was a market and a fishing harbour. In the first half of the 13th century, Tallinn was captured by the Danes. They destroyed the old settlement and began building a new one. At that time the city was called Revel. At the same time, Tallinn was constantly subject to raids by Estonians and German knights. In 1227, German knights captured the city, but it returned to Denmark in 1238 and belonged to the Danish kingdom for over 100 years. The foundation of the coat of arms of Tallinn dates back to approximately this time.
In 1346, Revel was sold by Denmark along with part of Estland to the Teutonic Order. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, the heyday of ancient Tallinn occurred. In 1347, Revel received city privileges and soon joined the Hanseatic League. Membership in the Hansa turned Tallinn into one of the richest cities in the Baltic states.
During the Livonian War, the order of the same name ceased to exist. In 1561, Revel swore allegiance to the Swedish king. At the same time, Tallinn turned into one of the main trading cities of Sweden, surpassing even the Swedish capital - Stockholm. During the Livonian War, the city was besieged by the Poles and Danes, and Russian troops stood near it for 3 months. The result of this military campaign was a decline in trade and Tallinn lost its importance. In 1583, the city became the center of the Duchy of Estonia within Sweden. The era of Swedish rule lasted until the 18th century. During this period, fortress walls were erected.
After the end of the Northern War, Revel became part of the Russian Empire. At this time, the city became one of the central ports of the Russian Baltic along with St. Petersburg and Riga. Tallinn was part of the Russian Empire until 1918.
In 1918, the independence of Estonia was proclaimed in Reval. In 1919 the city was renamed Tallinn. In 1940, Estonia became part of the USSR. In 1941, Tallinn was occupied by the Germans. In 1944 the city was liberated. During the liberation, the city was bombed, during which 40% of the old city was damaged. Since 1991, Tallinn has been the capital of independent Estonia.
How to get there
Tallinn International Airport is located 5 km from the historical center. Flights fly here from Moscow, Amsterdam , Berlin , Munich , Bremen, Oslo, Copenhagen, Kyiv, Istanbul, London, Milan , Bergamo and many other cities in Europe. From the airport to the center there is a bus ✓ 2 (every half hour, ticket costs 2 euros) and tram ✓ 4 (ticket also costs 2 euros). A taxi to the center will cost about 10 euros.
A ferry service connects Tallinn with Helsinki. You can also reach the capital of Estonia by sea from Stockholm and St. Petersburg.
You can get to Tallinn by bus from almost all major cities of the Baltic states, Finland, St. Petersburg, etc. Buses arrive at the central bus station, located on the street. Lastekodu, 46. From the bus station you can get to the center by buses 17, 23, 2, 54, 15 and trams 4, 2.
Trains arrive at the Baltic station, located near the old town. Railroad connections have been established with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Highways connect Tallinn with Russia and Latvia.
Getting around the city
To get around the city you can use buses, trolleybuses and trams. Tallinn public transport operates from 6.00 to 23.00 (although some lines may operate until 24.00). The public transport diagram can be viewed/downloaded below. The old town is quite compact, so it is easy to get around on foot. The fare when paying in cash is 2 euros. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. You can also use a TallinCard, which gives you the right to free travel on public transport for the entire period of its validity, or a single travel card. In this case, the card must be validated immediately after the start of the trip.
Shopping and purchases
Tallinn is one of the shopping centers in the Baltics. The main shopping area is Rotermann, where you can find many shops and restaurants. Many shops and shops with souvenirs and more can be found in the old town.
Shopping centers and large supermarkets in Tallinn:
- Viru Keskus , Viru väljak 6
- FoorumKeskus, Narva maantee
- Kristiine, Endla 45
- Stockmann, Liivalaia 53
- Solaris, Estonia pst. 9
- Norde Centrum, Lootsi 7
- WW Passaaž, Aia 3 / Vana-Viru 10
- Sikupilli, Tartu mnt 87
Where to eat
Many restaurants and cafes are located in the old town. Excellent food (including traditional Estonian cuisine) can be found in the area around Raekoja Square (Town Hall Square). Although the food in the restaurants in this square is expensive by Estonian standards. Unusual and inexpensive establishments can be found in the Kalamaja and Kopli areas.
Night life
In terms of entertainment, Tallinn is in no way inferior to the most fashionable European capitals. Therefore, even avid party-goers will not be bored here. Usually Tallinn clubs are open on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, although you can always find a fun place here. Clubs open from 22.00 - 23.00 and are open until 3.00 - 4.00. The advantage of Tallinn is its compactness, so if you don’t like it in one place, you can walk to another.
Sights of Tallinn
The main attraction and symbol of Tallinn is the old town. This is an amazingly beautiful place with a wonderful atmosphere, which is surprisingly well preserved despite all the wars and hardships. Old winding cobbled streets, medieval architecture, Gothic church spiers and street lamps introduce us to the history and culture of Tallinn and give it some mystical charm.
The historical center of Tallinn was formed between the 13th and 15th centuries during the Hanseatic era. The old town has largely retained its original layout and even buildings. It was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall, fragments of which have survived to this day. This is a place of atmospheric red tiled roofs, old stone houses, cozy courtyards and historical and cultural monuments.
Initially, the old city was divided into Upper (Toompea or Vyshgorod) and Lower. In Upper lived the nobility and rich residents of Tallinn, in Lower lived artisans and other poor people. The Upper City was divided from the Lower City by a gate. Now these two parts form a single historical and architectural ensemble.
The main attraction of the Upper Town is Toompea Castle, which rises on a cliff above all of Tallinn. This is the oldest place in the city, founded by German knights in the first half of the 13th century. Throughout the history of Tallinn, Toompea Castle has been the seat of power. Nowadays the parliament is located here. Over almost 8 centuries of its history, the castle was rebuilt many times, but in many respects it retained its original structure of a 13-14th century fortress. On the south side of the castle you can see the Long Hermann Tower. This 46-meter high stone mass is an Estonian national symbol. The Estonian flag is raised on it every morning.
The heart of the old city is the Town Hall Square, which is almost the same age as Tallinn. The perimeter of the square is surrounded by ancient houses. In summer there are street cafes here, and in winter there is a Christmas tree. Interestingly, the Christmas tree has been installed on Town Hall Square since the first half of the 15th century.
The main attraction of the square, as it should be, is the town hall, which is a beautiful Gothic building built in the early 15th century. Interestingly, Tallinn Town Hall is the only one completely preserved in all of Northern Europe. The most keen-eyed can see the symbol of the town hall on the weather vane - the figurine of Old Thomas. In summer, the most physically fit tourists can climb the 64-meter tower and enjoy the wonderful view of Tallinn.
Next to the town hall is the oldest pharmacy in Europe, which has been operating since the 15th century.
In Old Tallinn you can find many beautiful, romantic and atmospheric places. One of the most picturesque streets is Katharina Lane. The most famous souvenir market is located here. A rather interesting place is the Masters' Courtyard, located on the street. Vene tn 6. Some of the oldest medieval buildings have been preserved here.
On the eastern side of Toompea there is one of the most photogenic places in Tallinn - the Kohtuotsa lookout. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful view of the old city, but also take great photos.
City wall The real symbol of Tallinn is the city wall. Previously, the Lower City was surrounded by a 4-kilometer wall with 46 towers. About 2 km of the wall and 20 towers have survived to this day. Construction of the wall began in the 13th century. But most of it dates back to the 16th century, during the heyday of Tallinn as a trading city of the Hanseatic League. The height of the wall is 14-16 meters, and the thickness reaches 3 meters.
In the northwestern part of the old city, part of the city wall with three towers has been preserved. Here you can climb the wall and even walk along it. A beautiful view of the city walls opens from the observation deck on Vyshgorod (Toompea) and Tower Square, located near the railway station. Some towers of the city wall are open to the public and contain interesting exhibitions.
Sacred architecture
In Tallinn you can find several masterpieces of sacred architecture.
Church of St. Nicholas - a 13th century church dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is a powerful building, built by order of German settlers even before the fortress walls. Interestingly, this religious building is the only one in the Lower City that was not damaged during the Reformation. Church of St. Nicholas was damaged during World War II and later restored. Now it is a museum. Here you can admire the unique altar, ancient tombstones and masterpieces of sacred art.
Church of St. Olava Church of St. Olava is one of the most famous churches in the Baltic states. It is a beautiful Gothic structure, famous for its tall tower, which was the tallest building in the world in the 15th and 16th centuries. The church was built in the 13th century for Scandinavian merchants. It acquired its modern appearance in the 15-16th century. At that time, the height of the spire reached 159 meters. The church spire became not only a symbol of Tallinn, but even served as a landmark for ships. The spire has been damaged by lightning several times throughout history. Now the height of the tower is 124 meters.
The Dome Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Tallinn and Estonia. The exact date of construction of the church is not known. But there is evidence of its existence already in the first half of the 13th century. The church was built for the German community. The oldest part dates back to the 14th century. The 69-meter baroque tower was built in the 18th century. The famous navigator I.F. is buried in the church. Krusenstern.
Church of St. Spirit (center) Church of St. Dukha is an old church from the 14th century. In ancient times, this religious building was the main temple for ordinary townspeople. The church is distinguished by the interesting wooden decoration of the interior and the 17th century clock on the façade.
The Alexander Nevsky Temple is the main Orthodox church in Tallinn. The church was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It features rich interior decoration. There are 11 bells installed under the domes.
Tallinn is a city rich in interesting and original places. Here are some of them:
- Kadriorg is a Baroque masterpiece, a wonderful palace complex built by Peter I for his wife Catherine. Nowadays there is an art museum here. Kadriorg Palace boasts many paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries. And, of course, it is one of the largest and most interesting art museums in the Baltic states.
- The Great Guild building, which houses the State Historical Museum. This house dates back to the 15th century and was the residence of the guild of the most influential merchants.
- The Kiek in de Kök Tower is a 38 meter high medieval tower built in the 15th century. Here you can look at interesting exhibitions on the topic of city fortifications and weapons.
- Lookout Patkuli, located in the northern part of Vyshgorod (Toompea).
- Tallinn Zoo is one of the largest in the Baltics, located in Veskimetsa Park. Great place for a family holiday. Ticket prices are very reasonable: adults - 5 euros, children - 3 euros.
- Tallinn TV tower. You can climb it and look at the city from a height of 170 meters.
- Freedom Square is one of the symbols of independent Estonia. Located on the edge of the historical center.
- Helemann Tower is a 14th century watchtower that you can climb and walk along the city wall.
- The Maiden's Tower is a medieval tower from the 14th century with a museum and a distinctive cafe.
- Keismäe Tower is a medieval stone tower from the 14th century that can be rented for various events.
- Viru Gate is the city gate to the Old Town, located on Viru Street. The gate was built in the 14th century. Although most of the gates were destroyed, two watchtowers remained, which are among the most recognizable symbols of Tallinn.
- Kaarli Church on Toompea Hill is one of the most beautiful "new" churches in Tallinn, built in the neo-Romanesque style in the 19th century.
- Kalamaja is a fishing area adjacent to the historical center. This is an area of old colorful wooden houses, street cafes, youth and bohemians.
Of course, the interest of Tallinn is not limited to these places. This is a city rich in discoveries, where you can always find something new!
Video - Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. In addition, it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, whose historical center is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and it is one of the ten most popular tourist destinations on the continent.
This settlement was first mentioned in 1154 on the map of the Arab cartographer and traveler Muhammad al-Idrisi and was named Qlwn, or Qalaven, which is clearly consonant with the Russian Kolyvan. Until the 13th century, the Vikings who dominated this region called it in their own way - Lindanisa (Lyndanisse), and the Slavs - Lollipop, which is associated not with ice, but with the legendary Linda - the wife of the hero Kalev and the mother of Kalevipoeg. It was the stones she brought to her husband’s grave that supposedly formed Toompea Hill, within which lies most of the historical core of the settlement. After the Danes conquered the region in 1219, the city became known as Raval, or Revel - an obvious adaptation of the Finno-Ugric Revelia, Rääveli or Rävala, which generally referred to this entire coastal region in the north-eastern corner of the Baltic Sea. The city bore this historical name until 1917, when the country gained independence; only the Nazis returned its ancient name for a short period of occupation. The origin of the modern toponym is not entirely clear: “linn” is translated simply as “city”, but the first syllable can be interpreted in different ways - as “Danish”, and as “winter”, and as “fortress”.
Sights of Tallinn
Historical center of Tallinn - Old city(Tallinna vanalinn) lies quite compactly and consists of an ancient Vyshgorod (Upper Town) with numerous cathedrals, fortress walls and medieval towers and the Lower Town located southeast of it. You can get around this entire interesting architectural ensemble on foot in literally 3-4 hours, which makes Tallinn one of the most convenient tourist sites in Europe for exploring.
Toompea Hill occupies the southwestern part of the Old Town and is considered the very center of the entire historical settlement, although this is not its highest point. The city's first wooden fort was located here, which the Danes demolished in 1219, and by 1229 the crusaders who replaced them built a stone castle in its place, which is now commonly called Vyshgorodsky. It was rebuilt several times, and more and more new buildings were gradually included in its ensemble, and it itself was surrounded by a fortress wall with 4 towers that has been well preserved to this day (only 3 have survived; a baroque one was built on the site of the fourth and part of the eastern wall during the time of Catherine the Great castle).
Around the main square Lossi plats(“Castle”) towers the most famous architectural monuments of the Estonian capital - Gothic (Toomkirik, XIII-XV centuries) with a massive Baroque tower (XVIII century) and a pantheon of many scientific and cultural figures, Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral(Aleksander Nevski katedraal, 1900; open daily from 8:00 to 19:00, free admission), Toompea Castle(Toompea loss, XIII-XVIII centuries) with three corner fortress towers (XIV-XVI centuries), among which one of the symbols of the city stands out clearly - " Long Herman"(Pikk Hermann, XIV-XV centuries) in the southwestern corner. Currently, the Estonian parliament - the Riigikogu - has settled in Toompea Castle, and the most colorful Pikk street- one of the most interesting in a series of dozens of narrow streets and alleys of the old part of the city. Numerous old houses with red tiled roofs, city walls and towers, arrow-shaped gables and, of course, the calling card of Vyshgorod - numerous weather vanes - all this creates a unique flavor of this part of the Estonian capital.
One of the most controversial exhibitions in the city is located in Vyshgorod - Museum of Occupation and Freedom Struggle(Okupatsiooni ja Vabadusvoitluse Muuseum, www.okupatsioon.ee, Toompea 8), dedicated to the life of the country during the period when Estonia became part of the USSR and the German occupation. The contemporary exhibition includes an extensive collection of documents, photographs, prison doors and military uniforms, as well as numerous artistic and audiovisual elements in Estonian and English.
Outside Vyshgorod begins Lower city(XIV-XVI centuries), also once surrounded by a ring of powerful defensive structures, from which numerous fragments of walls (XIII-XVI centuries) and 18 towers (out of 27) have survived to this day. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, often called "Little Prague", and the authorities are actively pursuing its restoration.
The center of the area is a paved Town Hall Square(Raekoja plats) with town hall(Raekoda, 1402-1404) on the south side is the only completely preserved Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, crowned by another symbol of the city - the famous weather vane "Old Thomas" (Vana Toomas, 1530). On the square itself there is a metal circle symbolizing Tallinn center, dozens of cafes and restaurants, as well as the oldest pharmacy in Europe(1422). And behind the town hall (Raekoja, 4/6), in the former prison complex, there is now a small but very interesting Museum of Photography, dedicated to the history of the city and country.
The main attractions of the area also include the city walls (XIV-XV centuries, in total about 1.85 km have been preserved) with towers (20 out of 46 have been preserved), among which the most notable (1475, now it houses historical museum of the city and its fortifications) on Komandandi tee and ("Fat Margaret", 13th century, now located here Estonian Maritime Museum) with walls four meters thick, Nunne, Kuldjala And Sauna. Below the Kiek-in-de-Kök tower is the entrance to the building, originally built by the Swedes, but last used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War. A special tour will introduce guests to the history of the tunnels and urban legends, but to participate in it you must have warm clothes with you, since even in the middle of summer the temperature in the underground does not rise above +6-8°C.
Adjacent to Paks Margareta Arch of the Great Sea Gate, and on the other side streets Pikk jalg("Long Leg", the oldest in Tallinn) famous houses are located " Three sisters"(15th century), pressed closely together. Highly functional - with loading hatches and winches for lifting cargo directly on the facades, they served as residences, warehouses and offices at the same time for several centuries. Also worth exploring in the area mansion of the brotherhood of the blackheads(Pikk, 26) with a lavishly decorated façade in Renaissance and Gothic style Great Guild House(Suurgildi hoone, 1430), which was the center of many events in medieval Tallinn, including traditional May tournaments- the forerunner of the modern festival, also held at the end of spring. And in parallel Vene street you can get great City Museum(Tallinna linnamuuseum, www.linnamuuseum.ee; Vene 17), which figuratively shows the development of the city from the 13th century until the country gained independence.
You can also see many medieval churches in the Old Town. At the northern end of Pikk tänav stands a huge Gothic church (Oleviste kirik), founded in 1267 in honor of the Norwegian king Olaf II, who was canonized as the main fighter against paganism in Scandinavia. The church is mainly known for its 124-meter spire, which you can climb to see a breathtaking panorama of the Old Town and the port. Interestingly, such a great height is explained by the desire of the townspeople to build the tallest bell tower in the world in order to attract passing ships and expand trade. But precisely because of the height of the spire, between 1625 and 1820 the church burned to the ground eight times as a result of lightning strikes, so the interior interiors are quite modest - a consequence of the reconstruction of 1829-1840.
Little Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit(Puhä Vaimu kirik, 14th century) on Pühavaimu is the oldest in the city, as is its decorative clock (1680), the tower of which originally served as the town hall chapel. The main decorations of this complex are the unique “hanging pulpit”, the extraordinary triptych of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (1483) and the slender spire, destroyed by fire in 2002 and recently restored.
South-west of the Town Hall Square rises a late Gothic Church of St. Nicholas(Niguliste kirik), built in the XIII-XV centuries. In 1944, it was heavily damaged during a Soviet air raid, but the unique altar by Michel Sittow (XV-XVI centuries) was almost undamaged, but the no less famous border "Dans Macabre" ("Dance of Death") by Berndt Notke (1440-1509) is only partially preserved on the wall of the chapel of St. Anthony. Now the complex houses a concert hall with excellent acoustics and Niguliste Museum(www.nigulistemuuseum.ee) is one of four branches of the Estonian Art Museum (the temple is the only one in the Lower Town that was not looted during the Reformation, so the most valuable exhibits of religious art are presented here).
South-east of the historical core of the city, on Liivalaia 38, rises a baroque Church of Our Lady of Kazan, also known as the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was founded in 1721 in honor of the end of the Northern War by the commander of the local regiment, Shakhovsky, and is thus one of the oldest wooden churches in Estonia. And the oldest Orthodox parish in the city is located in Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra on Vene tänav street (by the way, this is translated quite simply - “Russian street”). Once upon a time there was a trading court on this site, founded by Russian merchants in what was then Kolyvan somewhere in the 10th-11th centuries, where the first temple was opened. In 1688 it was renovated, but after numerous periods of decline it was decided to build a new church, which was done in 1822-1827. A phased restoration is currently underway here.
You should definitely visit the pedestrian "staircase street" Lühike jalg(“Short leg”), lying at its beginning Museum of the Estonian artist Adamson-Erik and being its end Danish King's Garden(Taani kuninga aed) in Vyshgorod, " Old Town Key" - a tower with a gate (XV century) at the intersection of Lühike jalg and Pikk jalg, Monument to the sailors of the battleship "Rusalka"(1902) on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Dominican monastery(1246, now home to the Dominiiklaste kloostri muuseum with an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance tombstones and bas-reliefs) and running around its southern wall crafts street Katariina kaik, Viru Gate on the street of the same name with dozens of interesting shops, and also just take a walk along the intricacy of narrow streets and arches of the Old Town with numerous merchant houses of the 15th-16th centuries.
Starts from the northern borders of the Old Town " Cultural kilometer" (Kultuurikilometeter) - pedestrian path starting at " Cauldron of culture" (Kultuurikattel, a former power station converted into an arts center) and then passing by a small fishing harbour, Estonian design house(Kalasadama, 8), atmospheric old buildings of the Kalamaja district and Prison Museum in a 19th-century fortress, and then leading to perhaps the most striking landmark of the capital -. This huge hangar was built by Russian engineers during the First World War as a base for seaplanes of the Baltic Fleet. In 2012, the complex was re-opened as a branch of the Maritime Museum - fishing boats, a replica of a biplane from the First World War, naval weapons and equipment, the Lembit submarine built in 1937 in Great Britain for the Estonian fleet, the icebreaker Suur Toll and several other ships are on display here. .
Tallinn and its suburbs as a whole are very rich in all kinds of exhibitions; there are more than 20 museums here alone - and its branch is the Estonian History Museum in the Maarjamäe Palace (Pirita), Museum of Applied Arts, Estonian Museum of History and Architecture in the complex of the old salt warehouse (Soololadu, 1908) in the middle of the historical quarter of Rotermann, Tallinn Science and Technology Center(Tallinna tehnika-ja teaduskeskus, www.energiakeskus.ee), Museum of Theater and Music(Teatri-ja muusikamuuseum; Müürivahe, 12), " Work basement", Museum of Nature, Tallinn City Museum, Estonian Art Museum near Toomkirk, open-air ethnographic museum Rocca al Mare(Eesti vabaõhumuuseum, www.evm.ee, 74 historical buildings collected on an area of 72 hectares from all over the country) and others.
Around Tallinn
You should definitely go outside the city and visit ruins of the convent of St. Brigid in Pirita.
Of no less interest is the one built by Peter I for his wife, located approximately 2 kilometers east of the city center. Now in this unique complex, built in 1718-1736 by Peter I for his wife Catherine and considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Northern Europe, the residence of the President of Estonia is located. In the palace there is Kadriorg Museum(www.kadriorumuuseum.ee), holding chamber concerts and exhibitions of fine art from the 16th-20th centuries, and in the former kitchen - Mikkel Museum, exhibiting artwork donated by prominent Estonian collector Johannes Mikkel. The complex also includes an extensive garden and park area, emphasizing the architectural beauty of the palace, modern (Kunstimuuseum, Kumu Art Museum, opened in 2006) - the main gallery of the Art Museum of Estonia. And just northeast of Kadriorg Park lies the famous Singing field(Lauluväljak, www.lauluvaljak.ee) is the venue for the most popular music festival in Estonia.
You can look at the suburbs of the Estonian capital from above from the observation deck. Also worth a visit botanical gardens(Tallinna Botaanikaaed) - a vast area of wooded area in the bend of the Pirita River in the north-east of the city, famous for its collection of plants, greenhouses and rose gardens.
Near the coastal highway there is a venue for numerous exhibitions - "Flower" and "Blue" pavilions, and nearby - Olimpic village, first class yacht club of the Sailing Center in Pirita (2 km northeast of Kadriorg Park) and a cozy beach. In a green area on the outskirts of the city there are Tallinn Zoo(founded in 1937 as a shelter for a lynx cub won by the Estonian Shooting Society at the World Championships in Helsinki, and now home to more than 200 mammals and reptiles), amusement park, picturesque Lake Ülemiste, the smallest castle in the Baltics - Kiyu Tower(1517), and also Muga dacha district.
You can visit the old Paldiski naval base(Paldiski, approximately 33 km west of the city center) and see ruins of the Petrovskaya fortress and docks, Pakri lighthouse(one of the oldest in the Baltics - 1724), monument to the crew of the submarine M-200 "Revenge", Orthodox Church of St. George, an abandoned training center and former submarine base - now a commercial port.
Near the town of Klooga (33 km southwest of Tallinn) and next to the well-known horse riding center in Niitvälja, there is the only golf course with 18 holes.
Entertainment in Tallinn
Tallinn is also widely known as a wonderful center of nightlife - there are more than two dozen high-class clubs alone, and the number of restaurants and cafes is simply uncountable. Guests are also invariably attracted by numerous festive events, among which the most famous Baroque Music Festival(February), jazz festival And Estonian Music Days(April), the largest in the Baltics Beer festival(July), Film Festival "Black Nights of Tallinn"(November-December) and, of course, colorful Christmas markets, covering the entire city on Christmas Eve.
In the evenings, dozens of theaters open their performances, including such famous troupes as Russian Drama Theater, Estonian National Opera, Opera and Ballet Theater "Estonia", Estonian Drama Theater, Gorrhall, Old Town Studio, Puppet show And " Von Krahl" (Von Krahl).
The city cycling club offers Tallinn tour on two wheels (www.citybike.ee), and the tourist office provides walking and bus routes throughout the city.
Shopping in Tallinn
In the Old Town you can find many shops of all kinds, but the most colorful shopping areas are usually considered to be around the market at the old city walls near the Viru gate, along Kristiine Keskus, Endia 45 and the Ulemiste shopping center. The largest mall in Tallinn is called Viru Keskus, or Viru Center (Viru väljak, 4) and is located almost in the city center. And the largest department store, Kaubamaja (Gonsiori, 2), competes with the equally famous De La Gardie (Viru, 13/15) and Stockmann (Liivalaia, 53). However, many guests prefer small and very atmospheric studio shops, like the pottery shop Bogapott (Pikk jalg, 9) with a small cafe and the blacksmith Sepa Ari (Olevimägi, 11), or art galleries like Lühikese Jala Galerii (Lühike jalg, 6) with a large selection of authentic goods and the Apollo Book Center (Viru, 23).
Most are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, some shops open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00, department stores are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Tourist information
Will provide all the necessary information about the city Tallinn tourist office(www.tourism.tallinn.ee), located in the center of the Old Town at Niguliste 2 (telephone: 645-77-77). Here you can get maps and all kinds of brochures, as well as organize a walking, bus or cycling tour around the capital.
You can also purchase a special card in the office Tallinn Card(available in 6, 24, 48 and 74 hour options), which will provide free access to 40 museums and exhibition grounds, free entry to many attractions, several trips on public transport and some discounts in shops and restaurants.
Tallinn(Estonian Tallinn - [ˈtʌlːinː]; in 1219-1919: Swedish, German Reval, Russian obsolete Kolyvan, Revel) is the capital of Estonia. Large passenger and cargo seaport. Titles
It is assumed that the name "Tallinn(a)" in Estonian comes from the words "taani linn" ("Danish hail"), "tali linn" ("winter hail") or "talu linn" ("house, manor-castle" ). The root -linna means the same as the Russian -grad or the German -burg - originally meaning “fortress”, and now used to form the names of cities.
The first mention of Tallinn supposedly dates back to 1154, when the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi described in his work “Entertainment of one yearning for wandering through the regions” a certain city called Kolyvan (spelled Quoluwany). Moreover, the mention of the original Russian toponym Kolyvan (which means feast, celebration) was noted 65 years before the official founding of the settlement. The time of penetration of this toponym into oral tradition, as well as the circumstances of the founding of the city, are still unknown. Although it should be mentioned that in ancient Russian written sources it has been found since 1223 and fell out of use only in the 18th century.
In the “Chronicle of Livonia” by Henry of Latvia (1st half of the 13th century), written in Latin, the Scandinavian name Lindanise (Danish: Lyndanisse, Swedish: Lindanäs) is used. The Estonian name of the city - Tallinn (Estonian Taani linn - Danish city, Talyna) was first mentioned in written sources in 1536. There is a version [streamlined expressions] according to which the word linda, later transformed into linna, could mean “city” or “fortress”. The basis for this assumption is the presence in the Votic language, which is very close to Estonian, of the word lidna, which has exactly the same meaning. According to this version, the root -nise could mean “peninsula”, following the example of -niemi in the old Finnish name of Tallinn Kesoniemi (Finnish: Kesoniemi).
Later, the Scandinavians and Germans called the city Reval.
The Russian name of the city of Revel was borrowed from the German (Swedish) language and became official after the annexation of Estonia, conquered during the Northern War, to the Russian Empire. In 1719, the Revel province was also established.
When, after the October Revolution, the Soviet government recognized the right of the peoples of Russia to self-determination, it also recognized local names in the form in which they were used by indigenous peoples.
The form of spelling Tallinn (with one “n”) developed in the years when the opinion was spreading that in foreign names and titles it was necessary to avoid combinations of consonants or vowels unusual for Russian vocabulary. For the same reason, long vowels were not indicated in Estonian and Finnish names back then, for example Sarema instead of Saaremaa. Over time, however, this approach began to be increasingly replaced by the desire to convey the original spelling of the name as accurately as possible and thereby preserve the information content of the names. This is consistent with international principles adopted at UN international conferences on the regularization of geographical names, which give priority to transliteration - the letter-by-letter transmission of a name.
On December 7, 1988, at a session of the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR, an amendment to the Russian text of the Constitution of the ESSR was adopted, according to which the name of the city began to be written with two “nn” (Tallinn). This reform was explained by the desire to bring Russian spelling in line with Estonian.
Modernity
By order of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation of August 17, 1995 No. 1495 “On the writing of the names of states - former republics of the USSR and their capitals”, the following spelling of the city’s name was established: Tallinn.
In Estonian media published in Russian, which does not have official status in Estonia, the spelling Tallinn is predominantly common, which is due to the requirements of the Language Inspectorate.
Geography
Tallinn is located in Northern Europe, on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 80 kilometers from Helsinki. Geographically and culturally, Tallinn is part of Northern Estonia. The largest lake in Tallinn is Ülemiste (area 9.6 km²). This is the city's main source of drinking water. Lake Kharku is the second largest (area 1.6 km²). Unlike many large cities, the only significant river in Tallinn, the Pirita, is located far from the city center (now the Pirita urban district). The river basin is protected due to its scenic beauty.
A limestone ledge (Glint, or Baltic-Ladoga ledge) runs through the city. It can be clearly seen in Toompea and Lasnamäe.
The highest point of Tallinn (64 meters above sea level) is located in the southwest of the city in the Nõmme district.
The length of the coastline is 46 kilometers. Within the city, it forms three large peninsulas: Kopli, Paljassaare and Kakumäe, and four bays: Tallinn, Paljassaare, Kopli and Kakumäe.
Climate
Average annual temperature - +5.4 °C
Average annual wind speed - 4.1 m/s
Average annual relative humidity - 81%
Population
The population of Tallinn is 406.7 thousand people (estimated as of January 2010). As of November 2006, Tallinn had 399,180 registered residents.
Administrative division
Tallinn is part of Harju County, forming the Tallinn City Municipality.
In Soviet times, the city included four districts: Kalininsky (formerly Koplisky), Leninsky, Morskoy, Oktyabrsky. During the local government reform on March 4, 1993, 8 parts of the city (administrative-territorial units; Est. linnaosad) were formed from four districts:
- Kesklinn (Estonian: Kesklinn, “city center”)
- Kristiine (Estonian: Kristiine)
- Lasnamäe (Estonian: Lasnamäe)
- Mustamäe (Estonian: Mustamäe)
- Nõmme (Estonian Nõmme, until 1940 - a separate city)
- Pirita (Estonian Pirita)
- Põhja-Tallinn (Estonian: Põhja-Tallinn, “Northern Tallinn”)
- Haabersti (Estonian: Haabersti)
Story
At the beginning of the 1st century AD, the territory where modern Tallinn is now located was settled by Finno-Ugric tribes. The city was founded in the land of Rävala in the 11th century; The first defensive buildings were erected on Toompea Hill - wooden fortifications.
The settlement that existed on the site of present-day Tallinn was first mentioned in 1154 in the work of the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi as Quoluwany, who described it as “a small city, rather like a fortress,” noting the large harbor. In Russian chronicles the fortress is referred to as Kolyvan.
Danish period
In 1219 it was captured by the Danes. The “Livonian Chronicle” of Henry of Latvia says that in the summer of 1219 a large army under the command of King Waldemar II himself landed on the shore in the land of Rävala and the Danes “settled in Lindanis, which had previously been a stronghold of the Rävalas people, and destroyed the old fortification, and began something else, to build something new.”
Having become Danish, the city experienced constant raids by the Estonians and the German Order of the Sword, which by this time had already captured the territories of modern Latvia and modern southern Estonia.
In 1227, Revel was captured by the Swordsmen. In 1238-1346 it again belonged to Denmark. In 1346, Denmark sold its part of Estland to the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, who soon handed it over to the Landmaster of the Teutonic Order in Livonia. In 1347, the city of Revel had its privileges confirmed.
Hanseatic period
The beginning of the 15th - mid-16th centuries - the golden age of ancient Revel: the city was part of the Hanseatic League and played an important role in the Baltic Sea region. The economic boom of those times contributed not only to the thorough strengthening of the city’s borders, but also created all the prerequisites for active creativity - the creation of architectural and artistic values. However, the weakening of the Livonian Order and the economic decline during the Livonian War led to the city losing its former significance.
As part of Sweden
From 1561 to 1710, Revel was part of Sweden. During this period, the city experienced a new boom, the activities of Tallinn artisans expanded, and the first manufactories appeared. The reform movement spread. The number of educational institutions increased, and by the end of the Swedish period, most townspeople were literate. Printing houses appeared. In 1637, the first book in Estonian was published.
As part of the Russian Empire
In 1710, during the Northern War, the city was conquered by Russia. All of Estonia suffered severe losses from military operations, famine and plague, and Revel was no exception, where a plague epidemic began on August 11, 1710. On August 18, 1710, Russian troops under the command of General R.H. Bour approached the city and besieged the city until September 30, 1710, when the city was surrendered. There were no active hostilities during the siege. By the beginning of 1711, about 15 thousand people died from the plague in the city.
After the end of the Northern War, Revel began to recover quickly, despite the fact that Riga became the main center of the Russian Empire in the Baltic after St. Petersburg. By the end of the 19th century, the rapid development of the Revel industry began, and the importance of the port increased.
Period of Estonia's independence
In 1918, the independence of Estonia was proclaimed in Reval. However, under the terms of the Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty (Article IV) between Germany and the Bolsheviks, who came to power in Russia in 1917, the country was occupied by the Germans.
In 1919, Revel first received the modern Estonian name - Tallinn.
During the War of Liberation of 1918-1920, the young Republic of Estonia took part in the March on Petrograd of the White Guard North-Western Army - a total of 20 thousand bayonets and sabers: 17.5 thousand Russians and 2.5 thousand Estonians. After behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Bolsheviks from October 1919 (at the height of the battles for Petrograd), the defeat of the North-Western Army and its internment on the territory of Estonia, on February 2, 1920, the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed between the RSFSR and Estonia - Tallinn became the capital of the state recognized in this moment only by the government of Soviet Russia, which was not recognized by anyone.
Since 1925, the official name of the city has become Tallinna. In 1933 the name Tallinn was returned.
During the period of independence, Tallinn developed generally quite successfully. The Tallinn Pedagogical and Tallinn Polytechnic Institutes and the Academy of Arts were founded. Large enterprises from the era of the Russian Empire, which focused primarily on the Russian market, were either closed or repurposed in the 1920s. In the early 1920s, the transit of Soviet cargo was of great importance for the city, which reached its maximum in 1924 (346 thousand tons). But after the suppression of the uprising of Estonian communists on December 1, 1924, the volume of transit traffic decreased by 2.6 times the following year, and by 1938 to 1.6 thousand tons. From the mid-1930s, after recovery from the severe economic crisis of 1929–1933, industry began to rise.
As part of the Soviet Union
As a result of the signing of a secret additional protocol on the delimitation of spheres of interest to the Non-Aggression Treaty between Germany and the USSR of August 23, 1939, Estonia was also included in the sphere of interests of the USSR. On August 6, 1940, Estonia was annexed by the USSR and Tallinn became the capital of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (ESSR).
During the Second World War the city was severely destroyed. Soviet troops defended Tallinn for 23 days - from August 5 to 28, 1941, after which they were forced to abandon it. On March 9 and 10, 1944, Soviet aviation bombed German troops stationed in the city.
Liberated from German occupation by Soviet troops on September 22, 1944 during the Tallinn operation. On May 7, 1984, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, “for the courage and fortitude shown by the working people of the city in the fight against the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, the successes achieved in economic and cultural construction,” Tallinn was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree.
In 1988, the first anti-communist socio-political movement in the USSR, the Popular Front, arose in Tallinn.
Post-Soviet period
Since 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, and to the present day, Tallinn has been the capital of the independent state of Estonia.
In 1997, the historical part of Tallinn - the Old Town - was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Culture, sights
The old town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the 11th-15th centuries to the present day, most of the buildings, the network of medieval streets and most of the wall (one of the best preserved ancient city walls in Northern Europe) have been preserved. In the Old Town there are the city hall, built in 1404, the Church of St. Nicholas (Niguliste), the Church of St. Olaf (Oleviste), until the end of the 19th century the tallest building in the world), the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Dome Cathedral, the Dominican monastery, as well as the Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Vyshgorod (Estonian: Toompea) is part of the Old Town. In the XII-XIV centuries, the order castle Toompea (Estonian: Toompea loss) was built on Vyshgorod. The 48-meter tower “Long Hermann” (Estonian: Pikk Hermann), erected in 1360-1370, rises above the castle. The flag on top of Long Hermann is one of the symbols of Estonia. The rebuilt Toompea Castle houses the Estonian Parliament, Riigikogu.
Vyshgorod is also home to the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral, built in 1900.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was erected in 1900 in honor of the miraculous salvation of Emperor Alexander III in a train accident on October 17, 1888. Of the eight proposed options for the construction of the cathedral, the best place turned out to be the square in front of the governor's palace (now the parliament building). The cathedral was solemnly consecrated on April 30, 1900; Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich took part in this event. By 
According to Estonian legend, on the site of the cathedral there was the grave of the national Estonian hero Kalevipoeg. The authorities planned to demolish the temple in 1924, during the first independence of Estonia, and also during the German occupation. In the early 1960s, they wanted to rebuild the cathedral into a planetarium, but it was saved by Bishop Alexei Ridiger, the future Patriarch of All Rus' Alexy II.
Now the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the Cathedral Orthodox Cathedral of Tallinn and Estonia.
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (St. Nicholas Church)
The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on Vene Street (Estonian Vene - Russian) was built in 1820 on the site of an older church and became the first domed building in the Old Town. The church was built according to a design by the architect Luigi Rusca, drawn up in 1807. The building is located on a narrow plot, has classic column shapes, and half-columns on the side facades. The church has two tetrahedral bell towers and one main dome. The first Orthodox church on Sulevimägi Street, built by Novgorod merchants, was moved to Vene Street in the 15th century, where the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was later built.
The Dome Cathedral
Tallinn Dome Cathedral is considered the oldest church in the capital of Estonia. The cathedral was built on the site of an old wooden church, the first mention of which dates back to 1233. Ten years after the construction of the church, construction of a stone temple began. The tower of the Dome Cathedral was built in the Baroque style; numerous chapels belong to later architectural styles.
Among those buried in this cathedral are many famous people, such as Pontus Delagardie (Swedish commander) and his wife Sophia Gullenhelm, Admiral Samuel Greig, as well as the famous navigator Adam Johann von Krusenstern.
Church of Niguliste (St. Nicholas)
Niguliste Church (St. Nicholas Church) is a Lutheran church-museum located in the Old Town. This temple, named after the patron saint of all sailors - St. Nicholas, was founded by German merchants in the 13th century.
Church of Oleviste (St. Olav)
The tallest building in Medieval Europe. Built in Gothic style. The first mentions date back to 1267. The height of the spire is 124 meters. An observation deck is open for tourists, from where you can admire ancient Tallinn.
Dominican monastery
The Dominicans founded their monastery in Tallinn in 1246. The most notable building in this typical monastic complex was the Church of St. Catherine (Catherine), presumably built at the end of the 14th century. In area it had no equal in the medieval Lower Town. From the first years of the monastery’s existence, a school operated unofficially. The monastery building was rebuilt and expanded several times, most recently in the 16th century.
The Lutheran Reformation played a fatal role in the fate of the monastery - in 1525, city authorities forced the monks to leave Tallinn, and in 1531, a devastating fire broke out in the abandoned church, after which only ruins remained of the building. Today, only the western wall with two portals, part of the southern wall with fragments of three buttresses, window openings and the lower part of the south-eastern tower, as well as fragments of the northern wall, have survived from the monastery complex.
Currently, works of medieval stone-cutters are exhibited here, exhibitions and concerts are held. Visitors with psychic abilities will certainly be interested in the energy pillar located in the chapter hall.
Kadriorg
Kadriorg Park is located on the outskirts of the Tallinn part of the city of Kesklinn. It received its name (Ekaterinenthal) in honor of the wife of Peter I, Catherine I. The founding day of Kadriorg is July 22, 1718. It was founded by personal order of Peter I during the Northern War, after the annexation of Estland to the Russian Empire in 1710. In 1714, Peter I acquired the estate to create a park and palace. The architects of the buildings in Kadriorg are Niccolò Michetti and his apprentice Gaetano Chiaveri. They determined the location of the new palace; it had a view of the Old Town, the harbor and the sea. In 1720-1722, Mikhail Zemtsov, who replaced Michetti, worked on the construction of the Ekaterinental Park (Kadriorg), and designed the interiors of the Catherine Palace. Initially, the park was intended for recreation and walking for citizens. And now the park is a favorite vacation spot for city residents.
The Catherine Palace was planned as the emperor's summer residence, but Peter I never lived to see its construction completed. Now the residence of the President of Estonia is located in Kadriorg. The former Catherine Palace, now known as Kadriorg Palace, houses a branch of the Estonian Art Museum (18th century painting). In the park there is a monument to the battleship "Rusalka".
Zoo
Tallinn Zoo was opened on August 25, 1939. Until 1983, the zoo was located on the outskirts of Kadriorg Park, and then it was moved to the Haabersti area, where it is located now.
A total of 342 species, 5574 exposures.
Tallinn TV tower
The Tallinn TV Tower is located in the Pirita area, next to the Tallinn Botanical Garden. Construction began on September 30, 1975 for the XXII Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. Construction was completed on July 11, 1980. The tower reaches a height of 314 meters and is the tallest building in Estonia and the Nordic countries. In clear weather, visibility reaches the coast of Finland. At 170 meters there was once a restaurant.
Access to visitors was closed on November 27, 2007 due to non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
Tallinn Botanical Garden
Tallinn Botanical Garden (Estonian: Tallinna Botaanikaaed) is the largest botanical garden in Estonia. It is located next to the Tallinn TV Tower, in the eastern part of Tallinn, 10 km from the city center in the Kloostrimetsa area. Founded on December 1, 1961 as an institute of the Academy of Sciences. In 1995 it was municipalized.
Monument to Soviet soldiers (“Bronze Soldier”)
The monument to the liberators of Tallinn from the German occupiers was unveiled on September 22, 1947 on Tõnismägi Hill in the center of Tallinn opposite the Kaarli Church. The monument was erected next to the mass grave in which 13 Soviet soldiers who fell near Tallinn during the Tallinn operation of 1944 were reburied on April 14, 1945.
In 1980, Liberators Square was reconstructed, during which stone tombstones were installed at the burial site, covered with bronze slabs with the names of fallen soldiers, and granite slabs with the names of those killed on the monument were replaced with bronze ones with the names of the units that liberated Tallinn.
On the night of September 1, 1994, bronze slabs from the tombstones were stolen by a group of unknown people who told the Yihtulekht newspaper that the slabs would eventually be transferred to the museum of the occupation. The square was closed for reconstruction, which ended in early 1995. During its course, the tombstones were removed, and a lawn was laid out on the mass grave. In addition, the Eternal Flame, which was extinguished back in 1992, was removed, and the slabs on the monument were replaced with new ones, with the text Those who fell in World War II. At the same time, the monument received the name “Monument to those who fell in the Second World War.”
On April 25, 2007, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip spoke on the radio with an official announcement about the start of excavations around the monument in the coming days. He said that, depending on the results of these excavations, the monument could be moved to the Military Cemetery along with the remains of the soldiers buried in Tõnismägi, but emphasized that the decision on the move would not be made until the completion of these works and that the monument would stand in its place on May 9. The dispersal of the crowd of protesters on the evening of April 26, 2007 and the destruction of the memorial complex on the night of April 27 led to mass unrest in Tallinn and other cities of Estonia. On April 28, excavations for the burial sites of Soviet soldiers who died in World War II began on Tõnismägi Square. The fate of the central figure of the memorial remained unknown to the general public until April 30, when it was installed at the Tallinn Military Cemetery. Until the end of June, the flagstone wall was also restored there, which, however, differs from the original in its smaller size and the absence of an image of the Order of the Patriotic War. On July 3, near the new location of the memorial, the official reburial of the remains of eight of the twelve servicemen discovered during excavations took place.
Theater "Estonia".
The Estonian National Opera (Estonian: Rahvusooper Estonia) is an opera and ballet theater in Tallinn, dating back to 1865. The former name is the Estonia Opera and Ballet Theater.
Russian Theater of Estonia
The Russian Theater of Estonia is the only professional theater in the country operating in Russian. Founded in 1948, the former name was the State Russian Drama Theater of the Estonian SSR. Over the course of 60 years, the theater staged about 500 performances and went on tour to many cities of the former USSR.
Estonian Drama Theater
The Estonian Drama Theater in Tallinn was founded in 1920, from 1952 to 1989. bore the name of Victor Kingisepp.
Von Krahl Theater
The Von Krahli Teater is the first private theater in Estonia, founded during the period of independence after 1991. The theater building, where in addition to performances also hosts concerts, is located in the Old Town on Rataskaevu Street. In 2007, the von Krahl Theater together with the Viljandi Academy of Culture of the University of Tartu organized an acting school.
Old Baskin Theater
The Old Baskin Theater is a private comedy theater founded in 2005 by actor and director Eino Baskin.
Economy
Tallinn is the largest industrial, business, financial, tourism and transport center in Estonia. The head offices and main enterprises of most of the country's leading companies and branches of foreign companies are concentrated here - Ericsson Tallinn, Tallinna Sadam, Norma, Swedbank (former Hansapank), Tallink, BLRT Grupp, Estonian Air, ABB, Microlink, Skype Eesti, Elion, Ekspress Grupp, Baltika Grupp, etc.
Tallink Grupp is a shipping concern that, after purchasing the Finnish Silja Line in 2006, became the largest in the Baltic Sea region. Engaged in passenger and cargo transportation on the Baltic Sea (mainly between Estonia, Finland and Sweden). Owns two hotels in Tallinn. A total of 6,000 employees are employed (mainly in Estonia and Finland).
BLRT Grupp is a mechanical engineering concern headquartered in Tallinn, which owns ship repair and metalworking plants in Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine and Finland. Turnover in 2005 was 2.8 billion crowns. 74% of production is exported - ships, mobile power plants, pontoons, etc. In total, over 4,000 employees are employed, 2,000 in Estonia.
Baltika Grupp is a sewing concern headquartered in Tallinn. Trade missions in Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland and Russia. Total 1700 employees. Known for his recently developed own clothing line, Monton.
Norma is a plant producing safety equipment for automobiles, 900 employees. 98% of products are exported, mainly to Sweden - 58% and to Russia - 30% (Norma is the main supplier of seat belts for the Russian VAZ).
Skype Eesti is the Tallinn branch of the international company Skype, famous for its popular Internet telephony program. About 150 workers are employed, which is approximately 1/4 of the company's total staff.
Sport
The most famous football teams that regularly compete in European cups: Flora (Tallinn), Levadia (Tallinn)
Transport
The Tallinn Department of Transport is responsible for organizing public transport in Tallinn. The city has a bus system (57 routes), tram (4 routes) and trolleybus (8 routes), connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas. Payment is made using prepaid tickets, which can be purchased at kiosks or from the driver (more expensive); the coupons must then be validated.
Since 2004, Estonian ID card holders can purchase an electronic ticket using the Internet, telephone, ATMs or cash.
Trams
There are four tram routes in Tallinn. Rolling stock as of 07.2010: Czech trams Tatra KT4 66 pcs. and low-rise Tatra KT6 12 pcs. There are also 11 historical and technical carriages. All productions are from the 80s of the XX century. Previously, the Tatra-T4 (a narrow-sized version of the Tatra-T3) (until 2005) and Gotha G4 (until 1988) were also used. Tram depots are located in Kopli and on the Pärnu highway in Tondi.
Trolleybuses
The Tallinn trolleybus system consists of 8 routes. Rolling stock: 117 trolleybuses 07/2010
Buses
There are 57 bus routes in the city. Most lines are operated by the municipal company TAK (Tallinna Autobussikoondis - Tallinn Bus Association), which uses Scania and Volvo buses. The private company MRP also operates on urban lines.
Air service
Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport is located approximately 4 kilometers from the city center. The airport terminal, the building of which was rebuilt and significantly expanded in 2008, meets all international standards and is convenient for passengers.
Airlines such as Czech Airlines, easyJet, Estonian Air, Finnair, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air Baltic, SAS and City Airline connect Tallinn with European cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Moscow, Kiev, Prague, Warsaw, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Riga, Vilnius, Barcelona, Milan, Gothenburg, etc. Regular flights to Kuressaare and Kärdla are operated by Estonian Air.
Railway
Edelaraudtee provides passenger transportation on Eesti Raudtee on diesel trains between the cities of Tallinn, Tartu, Valga, Türi, Viljandi, Tapa, Narva, Rapla, Võhma, Elva, Põlva, Jõgeva, Tamsalu, Rakvere, Kiviõli, Pyssi, Jõhvi and Pärnu.
GoRail, formerly EVR Ekspress, is a rail carrier between Tallinn and Moscow. In 2009, it is planned to begin regular communication with Riga.
From the main railway station of Tallinn (Baltic Station), located in the Põhja-Tallinn area, electric trains run in the eastern (Aegviidu) and western (Pääsküla, Keila, Riisipere, Paldiski, Klooga) directions.
The Tallinn City Hall, together with the Helsinki City Hall, initiated a project to build an underwater railway tunnel between Tallinn and Helsinki. Presumably, the length of the tunnel will be 60-80 km. The construction of the tunnel will require from 1 billion to several billion euros. The estimated construction period is 10-15 years.
Ferry service
Ferry operators Viking Line, Silja Line, Linda Line Express, Tallink and Eckerö Line connect Tallinn to:
- Helsinki (Finland)
- Stockholm (Sweden)
- Åland Islands (Finland)
- Rostock (Germany).
