Tallinn is a leisurely and amazingly beautiful city. Narrow cobblestone streets, the waters of the Gulf of Finland and stunning views from observation decks. Ancient fortresses and temples, amazing museums and mysterious houses - all this attracts tourists to the capital of Estonia all year round. Tallinn is convenient for city guests. All its memorable places are concentrated next to each other. There are many inexpensive cafes and shops here, and hotel prices are reasonable. The capital of Estonia is increasingly chosen by lovers of inexpensive, but interesting rest. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Tallinn.
City wall
One of the most magnificent sights is the city wall. It is built around the entire perimeter of the city. The wall has protected the city from enemies for many decades. This is not just a memorable place - it is the strength and support of the city. The wall consists of thick walls and huge towers. The height of the building is about 20 meters. Initially, the building included 26 towers. Now only 18 have survived. The tallest tower, Küster, reaches 30 meters in height.
The Maiden Tower is quite popular among tourists. There is a cafe with a large summer terrace. In the basement of the tower there is a glass museum called "Look into the Bottle". A beautiful view opens up from its observation deck. Each tower can be visited and climbed to the observation decks. There are museums and cafes inside many buildings. There are small souvenir markets near the building.
In different places near the city wall it is beautiful in its own way. There are sculptures, benches, lanterns, stairs. A lot of greenery and flowers surround the building. One trip along the wall brings a lot of positive emotions. If you go for Christmas, be sure to visit the wall. The towers, decorated with festive garlands, look amazing. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes when you go on an excursion. The towers of the city wall open to tourists can be visited for 3 euros. The city wall is located in the Old Town. You can reach it by 1 or 2 trams.
House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads
A house with a mysterious history is located on Pikk Street. For a long time it served as a haven for wealthy and unmarried merchants. They spent all their free time here, organizing meetings and festivities. After getting married, the merchants were forced to leave the brotherhood. Often, they left here with a certain experience and material base.
Young people then began to conduct their own affairs. The merchants named themselves "The Brotherhood of Blackheads" in honor of Saint Maurice. Why exactly he became the inspirer of young people, no one knows to this day. However, the house with the dark-skinned saint on the coat of arms is popular with tourists.
The building of the house is aesthetic and beautiful. The central arch is decorated with lion masks. The magnificent gate is crowned with a coat of arms depicting St. Mauritius. Around the perimeter of the building, there are various sculptures and reliefs. On them you can see the image of kings, saints and even Christ. The house that now stands on Pikk Street is the last reconstruction of the refuge of the Brotherhood of Blackheads in 1908.
The building is very beautiful in the evening. Great lighting makes your home even more beautiful. The building was elegantly furnished inside. Now all the surviving furniture can be seen in the city museum. You can visit from 10 to 19 pm daily and free of charge. Finding it will not be difficult. The House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is located close to other attractions of the Old Town.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is considered the most important temple. It was discovered back in 1900. Although the history of the cathedral began much earlier. Over the years, the temple was reconstructed and even wanted to be demolished. But, fortunately, the church was defended. Now it pleases the eye with its gilded domes. The interior of the temple is beautiful and cozy. Its decoration is modest but harmonious. The wooden iconostasis is decorated with gilding. Beautiful icons and stained-glass windows were created by the hands of famous masters. The mosaic panel that adorns the facades was made by an academician of architecture.
A shop with souvenirs, icons, books, calendars and other products has been opened on the territory of the church. The cathedral opens its doors daily from 8 am to 7 pm. It can be visited free of charge, but in appropriate clothing. The church is located opposite the building of the Estonian Parliament. And its domes are visible from many points of the city. Taking pictures in the temple is not prohibited. However, it is worth showing respect for those who come here to pray. It is worth refraining from visiting the church during the hours of the liturgy. They take place on weekdays from 8.30 am, on weekends from 9 and 11 am.
Oleviste Church
The Oleviste Baptist Church is named after the Norwegian king Olaf II. It is recognized as the tallest religious building in the entire world. The church goes into the sky with a huge sharp spire. The height of the temple is 123 meters. The Olaviste Church has unique vaults. They are made in the form of arches, which form a geometric star pattern. The chapel of the Virgin Mary is located on the eastern side of the temple. Her plate depicts 8 scenes of Christ's suffering. Behind the altar of the church is the famous relief of St. Olaf.
The temple attracts tourists not only with its wonderful architecture, but also with gorgeous views that open from the observation deck of the spire. From here you can see almost the entire city. You will have to make every effort to climb to the site. The road is quite difficult and almost one-way. A narrow dark staircase leads up. The ascent takes about 10 minutes. Going on such an excursion, measure your strengths and capabilities.
The view that opens after such an uncomfortable journey justifies all expectations. Colorful buildings of the city, a lot of greenery, the Gulf of Finland, the Old Town. Everything you have visited before can be seen from a bird's eye view. The church is located 10 minutes walk from the main square of the Old Town. Trams No. 1 and 2 go there. Get up at the Kolpi stop.
The spire of the temple will not let you get lost. The church receives visitors from 10 to 20 hours. The ascent to the observation deck will cost about 2 euros for an adult and 1 euro for a child from 7 to 14 years old. You can climb the spire up to 18 hours.
Upper town
Vyshgorod or Upper Town is located on a hill. It is because of this that it got its name. The old castle of the same name is located on the Toompea hill. Now the board is sitting in it. However, this does not interfere with the flow of tourists. Traveling around the Upper Town is very picturesque and interesting. A lot of greenery around, wide hillsides lined with stone, narrow streets - all this evokes a storm of emotions.
There are many beautiful cafes and interesting museums in the Upper Town. One of them is the Museum of Food Culture. It is dedicated to the Luscher & Matiesen brand. For 6 euros you can visit it and taste the product. There are a lot of souvenir shops in the Upper Town, some of them are located almost within the walls of ancient buildings. Mobile trays with nuts are a national delicacy. If you visit Vyshgorod, be sure to try it. You can explore the Upper Town on your own and free of charge, or with a guided tour.
Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum
The museum for the youngest tourists is located in the central part, in the Kadriog district. If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit Miia-Milla-Manda. The main category of visitors is children from 3 to 10 years old. Its main idea and purpose is the theme of friendship. Anyone who says that children of this age are not interested in a museum has definitely not been to Miia-Milla-Manda.
The uniqueness of the place is that you can touch almost everything with your hands.Before entering, you must take off your shoes. This is quite unusual, but it creates an atmosphere of home comfort. And children are so much more comfortable. Here you can go skiing and lower the boat down the river. There are special rooms for drawing, games and crafts.
Large toy houses delight visitors. Each hall of the museum has a large number of board and floor games, coloring books and toys. The child will definitely not get bored here. There is a cafe with various sweets and drinks. In the open air there is a playground with slides, swings and ladders.
The Dome Cathedral
This is another of the famous landmarks of the Old Town. The temple is one of the oldest. Its patroness is the Virgin Mary. The cathedral plays the role of a burial vault for many famous people. Here kings and generals, admirals and sailors found rest. Buried by Otto Tove. In his will, he asked to be buried in the Dome Cathedral. Otto was a famous joker. Residents claim that he wanted this for a reason.
The secret is that Tove was a lover of women. And the Estonians decided that Otto decided to be buried near the entrance to the temple so that ladies' feet would always walk on his ashes. Inside the cathedral there is a modest but beautiful altar and an icon with the crucifixion of Christ. Numerous tombstones with sculptures and moldings are located around the perimeter. You can see the largest collection of epitaphs dedicated to noble persons in Europe. The cathedral has its own "plate of happiness". If you hold on to it, then the desire will come true.
The roof has its own name - "aba-woo". It is built to properly withstand the required acoustics. At an altitude of almost 70 meters, there is an observation deck overlooking the city. Those who are afraid of heights should consider this excursion. The temple is located at the crossroads of 5 roads. Therefore, it is not difficult to find it in the Old City.
The doors are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm from May to August. From November to April you can visit from 9 am to 3 pm. The day off is Monday. Photo and video filming is prohibited, admission is free. The observation deck is open from April to early November from 9.30 to 14.30, in summer until 17.30. Organ concerts are held on Saturdays.
Toompea castle
The Revel Fortress is located in the Upper Town, on the Toompea Hill. Its construction began in 1219. This is a large-scale complex that is known far beyond the borders of the country. The castle bears the title of the best-preserved old building in the Baltics. The complex has undergone many restorations. Now it looks completely different from the old days. The inner facade of the castle is pink.
Only the longtime guardian, Long Herman, remained gray. The fortress rises 50 meters above sea level. There are 4 observation towers along the four edges of the complex. Long Herman is the most famous of them. Its height is about 46 meters. It is on the Long German that the country's flag is raised every morning. The castle looks majestic and beautiful. It is especially magnificent at night when the backlight is on.
The complex is always full of tourists. Finding the castle is easy, it is located in the very center of the city. Tours to the building are conducted from 10 am to 4 pm by appointment. Getting on them is difficult enough, but possible. This can be done on open days or as part of an excursion group. One can inspect the castle only from the outside. Even if you don't get inside, it is still worth inspecting the castle from the outside.
Museum "Kiek-in-de-Kök"
"Look into the kitchen" - this is how the name of this tower is translated into Russian. Kiek in de Kök is part of the Toompea Castle complex. She survived the siege during the Livonian War, stood courageously and even saw victory. A museum was opened here in the 60s. It is dedicated to the history of the city and the development of the city's defense system. The building consists of 4 floors and several basements. Tours are not conducted here, visitors study the exhibits on their own.
The staircase of the establishment is very interesting. It is built according to a "clever trick". Its steps go clockwise. If suddenly a siege begins in the tower, the attackers will not have an advantage in hand-to-hand combat. Climbing such steps is hard enough. However, along the way, you come across funny pictures that make you think. Unfortunately, the inscriptions are in Estonian. In the museum you can see a model of the complete complex in its original form. A knight in armor, a medieval toilet bowl, ancient shoes, and a guillotine are all exhibits of the Peep into the Kitchen Museum.
You can get in from March to October from 10.30 am to 6 pm. From November to February - from 10 am to 5.30 pm. The day off is Monday.
Lower town
The Lower Town is part of the Old Town. It is much larger in area than Vyshgorod. The lower town is full of sights and wonderful places. The main goal of tourists is to see the city wall. It occupies most of the Lower City. There are many towers and walls that have survived to this day. One of the most famous is the Fat Margarita Tower. It got its name from its non-standard shape for a tower. The diameter of Tolstaya Margarita reaches 25 meters. The building of the tower now houses the Maritime Museum.
Koismäe Tower is the largest of the key towers for the fortification of the city wall. It reaches 26.5 meters in height and consists of 6 floors. You can climb the wall for about 3 euros. Schedule:
- April - May, September - October - from 11 am to 5 pm.
On weekends until 4 pm. - July - August - from 11 am to 7 pm every day.
- November - March - from 12 to 17 hours.
You can walk around the Lower Town absolutely free. This is a wonderful place with an air of antiquity. The presence of churches, monasteries and various beautiful buildings helps us to briefly travel to old-time Tallinn. Here you can visit museums, buy souvenirs and just enjoy the beauty of such a place in the Estonian capital.
Kadriorg park
The Kadriorg Palace and Park Ensemble is a great place where you can relax your soul. The complex was built thanks to Peter I, who chose these places for himself as a residence. The park is adorned with a palace built by an Italian architect. Over the years, the building has undergone many reconstructions. A large hall and a vestibule have survived to this day.
The beauty of the park around the palace cannot be conveyed in words. Smooth lines and clear patterns create a magnificent picture of greenery and flowers. The swan pond with black birds is a unique sight. In the middle of the artificial lake there is an island with a platform. An orchestra plays here on holidays.
Kadriorg can rival the famous Versailles in its design. There are 4 museums on the territory of the complex, which can be visited for a fee. You can get there by tram 1 and 3 or by buses No. 5, 8, 35, 38, 60, 63.
Town Hall Square
Town Hall Square is the center of the Old Town. It is always full of people, since ancient times. Previously, there was a market on the square, all performances, concerts and even executions of people took place. Now, this is the place where the New Year's tree is established and all the city's mass events are held. The Town Hall Square is very well located.
It offers a view of 5 main spiers: the Tower of the City Hall, the Dome Cathedral and three churches - Oleviste, Niguliste and the Holy Spirit. Residents of the city say that if you see all 5 spiers and make a wish, it will definitely come true. The main attractions of the square are the Town Hall building and an old pharmacy. The City Hall is the only building in all of Europe that has remained practically unchanged since ancient times. The construction is about 612 years old.
The pharmacy on the Town Hall Square was built in the 13th century. Initially, the building served as a prison. Then it became a pharmacy, in which, in addition to medicines, you could also buy sweets and tobacco. Now there is a museum here. On the shelves of the pharmacy, you can buy some of the developments of pharmaceutical companies.
You can walk around the Town Hall Square on your own. Those wishing to learn a lot of interesting facts about the life of the city are recommended to sign up for a sightseeing tour.
Tallinn Town Hall
In Northern Europe, the only Gothic-style Town Hall has survived, and it still flaunts in the heart of the Estonian capital. In the Middle Ages, the Town Hall is the foundation of any European city, from where all the affairs of the capital or a more or less large city were managed. The capital of Estonia passed from hand to hand to the Swedes, Danes, Russians and other rulers, and the Town Hall stood in the 13th century. Today, the wine cellar, the Hall of the Magistrate and the Burgers Hall with paintings by Johann Aken on biblical subjects are of great interest to tourists.
In handwritten sources, the Revel Town Hall (the name of the city before 1918) was first mentioned in 1322. But, judging by the ancient sketches, it was a one-storey limestone building under a high roof with a spire. It is a typical repository of urban governance traditions. Here laws were approved, from here messengers sent orders to all parts of the country and beyond. The history of the town hall dates back to 1248, when King Eric IV of Denmark approved the Lübeck city law in Revel. The city magistrate from here exercised control over the people who lived on these lands.
The early Gothic building has witnessed urban life as it was erected in the market square in the center of Reval. Over time, the importance of Reval in the Hanseatic League increased, the well-fortified city began to expand its possessions. The rebuilding of the Town Hall in 1402 - 1404 transformed this building, adding an arcade, a 2nd floor, a tower and a meeting room. In 1530 it was supplemented with the Old Thomas weather vane, which became the symbol of the city, and the Town Hall operates as a museum with a wine cellar.
The yard of the masters
You can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages only in a few quarters of the capital. The Craftsmen's Courtyard is one of such wonderful places where you can treat yourself to aromatic coffee at the “Chocolaterie” table, enjoying the look of Old Tallinn's lane. At the intersection of streets, artists with easels and masters of portrait sketches often work. They will willingly portray tourists in old clothes against the background of old buildings.
Stone streets diverge from here - one leads to the Orthodox St. Nicholas Church, on Muyrivyakh there is a market for souvenirs and hand-made products. Along the lane you can walk up to an arched passage along the wall of the Dominican monastery of St. Catherine - 135 meters walk along a stone pavement, a witness of a bygone era.
The foundations of the old quiet lanes were laid back in the 13th century. Lovers of medieval architecture can appreciate the inimitable splendor of vaulted and arched lintels, spiral staircases and stone walls, in some places without plaster. Here, like many centuries ago, artisans work according to the traditions of the past. Next to the building of the Dominican Monastery there is the Museum of Stone-Carving Art, the old market and the patrimony of the Russian merchants.
The Church of St. Catherine is older than the Moscow Kremlin, it was built over 700 years ago. The general entourage of the "Monastic Lane" and "Yard of Masters" is complemented by the well-groomed facades of old houses built in the 15th - 17th centuries. Many scenes from historical films were filmed here.
Danish King's Garden
Memorable place of "finding the flag" - Garden of the Danish King. The Danes call this square "the cradle of Dannebrog". According to legend, in 1219, King Valdemar II the Victorious organized a crusade against the pagan Estonians who were pushing the German knights at the initiative of the Bishop of Riga. On the outskirts of Kolyvan, a fortress "Taani linn" or "Danish castle" was founded.
At that time, the small Danish army was joined by the Pomor "glories" led by Prince Witslav I of Rugensky. A vassal of the Danish king carried military service, zealously fighting for the possessions of the Danish crown. Opposed to the spread of Christianity, the Estonians decided to pretend to be baptized, making peace for the sake of preserving life. And 3 days after the armistice, the army of the pagans suddenly attacked the Danes, after which the detachment of Valdemar II was forced to flee.
The army of Vitzlav I launched a counterattack without succumbing to panic, and more than a thousand pagan Estonians fell in a decisive battle. The Danes were not saved by Witslav's bravado, but by God's providence, as the legend says. At the peak of the battle, a heavenly vision was revealed - red dense with a white cross. These events are reflected in the design of the small Vyshgorod park on the slope of Toompea, the Upper Town of the Estonian capital. Sculptures of 3 monks complement the surroundings of the park composition with the Danish flag. Dannebrog's birthday is celebrated here every year on June 15th.
Freedom Square
The city square has changed its name several times. Vabaduse Vyalyak or Freedom Square was previously called Petrovskaya and Sennaya. It was also Victory Square, but this is one and the same place in the southern part of Old Tallinn. This place acquired its final appearance by the middle of the 19th century, when the Swedish bastion at the Harjus Gate was demolished.
Representative place where many important city and international events are held. Freedom Square is a popular place for leisure in the pedestrian zone, which is remembered by guests of the Estonian capital for the Victory Monument, timed to coincide with the War of Independence. It was decided to name this place Freedom Square in 1939. With this name it was known to tourists until 1948, then the square was renamed again, and it got its current name in 1989.
In 1867, a place for a religious building was cleared - the St. John's Church was later removed from the Haymarket. It is noteworthy that the foundations of fortifications discovered during excavations of the old part of the city have been conserved here. Their remains are preserved in the parking lot under the square, and fragments of the tower gate can be seen at the dead end of Harju Street - in a glass window.
On the 200th anniversary of the capture of the Revel Fortress by Russian troops, a monument to Peter the Great was erected, but after 1922 it was dismantled after partial destruction. Later, this part of the city was surrounded by modern buildings, including the administrative building, the House of Arts and the cafe "Vabadus" or "Freedom".
Lower Suurupi Lighthouse
Various Pomor tribes have always settled in these rocks, with well-developed shipping, fishing and trade. Underwater rocks and shallows near Naissaar Island caused problems for sailors and fish, but the lighthouse was built only in 1760 - to ensure the safety of navigation near the Suurupi Peninsula.
The building is clearly visible from a distance, thanks to the elevation of 16 meters. Its searchlight rose 60 meters above the sea surface, serving as a reference point in the midst of the deep foggy nights typical of the local climate. This wooden lighthouse in the form of a four-sided pyramid with a gable roof is the only wooden structure of its kind still functioning.
The wooden Lower Lighthouse, built in 1859, is the oldest operating lighthouse in Northern Europe, included in the list of historical values that have preserved their functioning. It is listed on the register of 100 historic lighthouses by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Services (IALA). The entire complex of buildings adjacent to the Lower and Upper lighthouses is under state protection as part of the cultural heritage.
Kadriorg Art Museum
The architectural ensemble in the best traditions of the northern Baroque, including a small palace and Kadriorg landscape park, is one of the favorite places of the townspeople. Tourists are offered to inspect the palace from the inside, its exquisite interior is striking in its luxury and splendor. This is a gift from Peter the Great to his wife Catherine - an example of European park culture, "Versailles" in miniature with a park and fountains. Today there is also a small Japanese garden.
Peter I attracted the best European masters to the construction of the Kadriorg Palace.Italian Nicola Michetti was entrusted with the position of chief architect. The team of architects consisted of Germans and Italians, Swedish and Russian masters. After completing the main front of work, Nicola Michetti left for his homeland, and Mikhail Zemtsov headed the construction. After that, the tsar appointed him the chief architect of St. Petersburg, so it is not difficult to assess the scale of the genius of the Russian architect.
Construction materials and the main labor force, including soldiers and convicts, were imported from the Russian Empire. Perhaps today the architectural ensemble looks rather modest. But the once unprecedented luxury of the Kadriorg Palace shone in the war-ravaged and almost deserted city-fortress, rivaling the palace of Peterhof. It stood out against the backdrop of juniper thickets and the modest buildings of Reval among the rocky shores. The collection of the museum's canvases includes European masterpieces of the 16th-20th centuries.
Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas "Niguliste"
One of the most interesting sights is "Niguliste" or Niguliste kirik (in Estonian). This is how it appears in all tourist guides, although it is better known to Russians as the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. It was built by German settlers from the island of Gotland, who were engaged in trade.
In the 13th century, most of these buildings combined the functions of religious buildings and fortifications, where the townspeople took refuge from the raids of the conquerors. This explains its formidable appearance, reminiscent of a fortress. In honor of the patron saint of seafarers, St. Nicholas, she was named later. In the Middle Ages, the building was decorated with works of art that were ordered in Lübeck, the capital of the Hanseatic League, which included Revel (Tallinn).
Niguliste converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism, then to an Orthodox parish. In the early Middle Ages, almost all Christian churches in Western and Northern Europe were Catholic. After the Reformation, many joined the adherents of the Lutheran Church. It is noteworthy that during the Reformation of 1523 it was the only parish in these places that was not subjected to devastation and destruction by fires.
According to legend, a crowd of angry vandals, after the destruction of other city churches, was stopped by keyholes drenched with wine. Another way to get into the fortified outpost was problematic. The only time when the building of the Church of St. Nicholas was badly damaged was the bombing in March 1944.
The Soviet air raids on enemy fortifications affected the historical part of the city. During that time, many works of art and parts of the unique interior were destroyed. A fragment of the painting by Bernt Notke "The Dance of Death" (15th century), which symbolizes the equality of all classes in the face of death, has survived.
Church of the Holy Spirit
Do you remember the words of the song from the popular Soviet cinema: "The clock on the old tower strikes, seeing off yesterday's day, and the bells are ringing"? These lines were written about the Church of the Holy Spirit on Pühavaim Street. An architectural monument XIV today adorns the historical center - near the Town Hall Square. There are many memorable events in the history of the Lutheran church. In particular, this is the first place where sermons were heard in Estonian, and the pastors of the church played an important role in the development of the cultural life of the country. Today you can listen to the organist's play live here for a nominal fee.
The old building with a high snow-white tower belongs to the Lutheran parish (EELTs). It is notable for its carved clock, made in 1684 in the tradition of the early Baroque. The oldest clock in the public building is still running. The bell is also unique. On its rim there is a line: "I beat equally true for everyone, for a servant and a servant, mistress and master, and no one will blame me for this."
The octagonal tower on a stepped pediment is crowned with a renewed spire, which was badly damaged in a fire. The Püha Vaimu kirik church was decorated with wall paintings in the 16th century. The illustrations are called “The Bible for the Illiterate” because 57 sketches show the main themes of the events described in the Old and New Testaments.
The modest interior of the Church of the Holy Spirit is decorated with a "hanging" pulpit donated by the burgomaster, an altar by B. Notke, as well as chandeliers and sconces in the Renaissance style. Notable is the sculptural group of the altar, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit. The main decoration is the altar triptych "Descent of the Holy Spirit", preserved from the 15th century.
Kaarli Church
The most representative religious building of large stone blocks, built in memory of the heyday under the Swedish king. Charles XI Church was built in the 19th century on Toompea Hill. This is a project by Otto Pius Gippius, a St. Petersburg architect of Estonian origin. Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail, so that from any point of the hall, everyone present can see the altar and the pulpit well. Lighting and excellent acoustics play an important role in creating a special spiritual atmosphere.
The interior of the Kaarli Church is complemented by an altar by J. Köhler and S. Kügelgen. The venerable age of the tower clock, which still works, impresses with its elegance; it was erected on the tower in 1884. Later, the church was equipped with an organ accompaniment - the German "Walker" produced in 1923 was brought here. It is the largest musical instrument in the country with a mechanical contracture, 30 registers and 5 manuals. The first Estonian fresco, Come to Me (1879), is of great artistic value.
The beginning of the history of the Lutheran parish dates back to 1630, when the Finns and Estonians living in these places united. Church services were held in the hall of Toompea Castle, and the parish received its first building in 1670. The old wooden building was destroyed by fire during the Livonian War in 1710. The façade of the new cloister features 2 neo-Romanesque towers, complemented by bells cast in Stockholm and Bohum.
This is one of the most visited places of worship, moreover, both parishioners and tourists come here, who are attracted by the music of the organist in the hour of classical music. Also on the last journey from here it is customary to see off prominent figures of Estonia who have made a significant contribution to the country's development. On Sunday the temple is open from 10.00, on Tuesdays at 17.00 concerts of classical and sacred music are held.
Monument to the battleship "Rusalka"
One of the symbols of the Estonian capital is a bronze monument in the shape of an angel. On its granite pedestal is carved: "The Russians do not forget their heroes of the martyrs." Stella is a work of sculptor Amandus Adamson, it is dedicated to 177 sailors of the Russian Imperial Navy, who died on September 7, 1893. The shipwreck happened on the coastal defense battleship "Mermaid", so there is an Angel with a cross on the pedestal, not a mythical mermaid. The majestic monument is erected on a round platform in the form of a compass. In the evening, the monument is illuminated with spotlights.
Historians describe the events of September 1893 as an unprecedented 9-point storm, unusual for these places. The ship was returning to its home harbor from exercises, losing control and going off course. the heavy battleship tilted and sank. All that brought to the shore in a few days was dismantling the boat with the dead sailor. His remains were found on one of the rocky islands of the Gulf of Finland some time after the events.
Parts of the corps of the battleship "Rusalka" were found 40 years later, 25 km from Helsinki, the nose buried in the sand at great depths. Therefore, in the monument built in 1902, everything is symbolic, including a gray rock, similar to the bow of a ship, crashing into the granite waves. The Bronze Angel spread his wings towards the stormy wind, holding in his right hand a gilded cross - an indication in the direction of the shipwreck. The steps at the foot of the 16-meter obelisk, according to the number of victims of the officers, lead to a bas-relief where their names are carved.The anchor chains that surround the monument are supported by columns on which the names of 165 sailors are immortalized.
Tower Fat Margarita
Paks Margareeta or the Tower of the Fat Margarita is a cylindrical outpost. Construction work was carried out under the leadership of Gert Koning of Westphalia, it was a fortress for the defense of the Great Sea Gate. The building does not differ in special aesthetics, its parameters inspire. It was possible to shoot back from all sides, 155 loopholes are visible at different heights of thick stone walls. The tower is 20 meters high, 25 meters across. The five-meter thickness of the outpost could not be pierced by a cannonball.
Estonians joke that they call Fat Margarita the “wife” of Long Hermann. Sarcasm is contained in the juxtaposition of the obvious contrasts of the two structures in the shape and size of the "spouses". Long Herman is located on the opposite side of the Old Town, its height is more widowed - about 46 m, diameter is only 9.5 m. At different times, inside the impressive building there was a fortress, city warehouses and a prison. Today it is the Estonian Maritime Museum, which displays a collection of weapons and old navigation maps. An observation deck and a cafe overlooking the port have been built for tourists.
The Russian-speaking population called Fat Margarita "Kutafya", an insulting nickname for a tastelessly dressed fat woman. This structure is located at the exit from the northern part of the Lower City - on the way to the sea harbor. The construction of city fortifications began in 1265, on the personal order of Queen Margaret, an ugly Danish woman who ruled the Estonian lands at that time. The tower was completed in 1529 to connect the port with the Toompea highland (Pikk street).
Tower Long Hermann
Long Hermann is the tallest of the 4 watchtowers of Toompea Castle, where the Parliament of Estonia sits today. The Governor's Garden, adjacent to the building, is open to all comers. Tourists are allowed inside the historical building according to the schedule - on open days. The height of the watchtower has a particular advantage. From the upper level it was easier to see the enemy hordes even on the outskirts of the city (on the sea and on land).
The basement of Long Hermann is a dungeon where death sentences were carried out. According to the legends, there was also a pit with hungry lions here. Upstairs there were barracks and rooms with loopholes for shooting. From one level to another, they climbed the outer stairs, which were removed during the siege.
Today, they climb to the very top of Long Hermann, overcoming 215 steps of the staircase. At an altitude of 95 meters above sea level, the national flag of Estonia flies, which is raised every morning to the sound of the anthem "My beloved Fatherland" (lowered at sunset). All 4 defensive towers, including Long Hermann, were built in the years 1370-1375. And only by the end of the 15th century, the building acquired its modern look.
Seaplane Harbor
The history of Estonian navigation is clearly presented in the exposition of the Naval Museum. This is the so-called Seaplane Harbor, which is rightly considered the repository and popularizer of this important area of the country's life. The mission of the museum is to systematize and multiply knowledge, cultivate respect for people of difficult professions and cultivate love for the sea.
The organization of the Estonian Maritime Museum in 1935 was initiated by a group of retired captains and sailors. A sufficient number of unique exhibits have accumulated, which I wanted to preserve for posterity. Initially in the hangars of the Seaplane Harbor, 1918 - 1940. the seaplane division was based. It was a practical site for a flight school, with an air defense headquarters operating. After the war and until 1991, it was a closed military facility.
Among the most valuable exhibits are the Short 184 seaplane and the Lembit submarine, the hull of the oldest ship, the Maasilinn. Visitors are no less interested in other exhibits - sea mines, small ships and simulators, which make it possible to feel like a part of certain historical events. There is a play area for children, a cafeteria and a restaurant, as many of the authentic exhibits walk for hours. Museum vessels and amphibians can be viewed outside, including the Suur Tyll icebreaker and the British Short Type 184 seaplane (copy).
Town Hall Pharmacy
The oldest pharmacy in Europe, which has retained its medical specialization for centuries, is located in Estonia. A remarkable building, facing the Town Hall Square, for a long time belonged to one dynasty of doctors. The pharmacy is mentioned in the documents of the city magistrate almost 600 years ago, it is assumed that it is much older. But its history is counted from 1422.
Perhaps this is the oldest pharmaceutical institution not only in Europe, but also in the world. She worked when there was no official medicine, and all diseases were treated with witch doctors and herbs. In fact, this was the shop of hereditary herbalists, perhaps they were also looking for an elixir of eternal youth and a panacea for all diseases. The uniqueness of the pharmacy is precisely in the continuous care of the health of citizens for 6 centuries in a row.
In those distant times, no accounting chronicles were kept, recipes were not accumulated. But some historical documents were preserved in the court archives, where the dates were indicated, the local pharmacy is occasionally mentioned there too. At that time, not only medicinal tinctures were traded here, but also magical attributes of that time. Powder of unicorn horn and bough udders, ashes of hedgehog needles and dried toads, viper fat and fly agaric powder, everything was as it was supposed to in the Middle Ages. Some of the drugs are exhibited as museum exhibits, which is what this pharmacy is today. It was here in 1441 that the first marzipans were made, and the Claret drink in 1467.
Monastery of Saint Birgitta
The ruins of an old cult building rise along the banks of the Pirita River. It was the largest nunnery in Vana-Liivimaa, where church life was in full swing as early as 1407. It was named after Saint Brigitte, the founder of the mother's monastery in Sweden. Next to the surviving walls and façade, there are picturesque parks and an old cemetery. The building is still nominally owned by the sisters of the Order of St. Brigit (Sweden), and the monastery itself has been reorganized into a museum.
The troops of Ivan the Terrible, invading this land, behaved like vandals, not sparing Catholic and Lutheran parishes. In its entirety, this unique building stood only until 1577, now it is strong stone walls, giving only a general idea of the grandeur of the monastery. Recently, full-scale excavations and work on the conservation of the foundation were carried out in order to preserve for future generations at least the facade of the building, the cellar and the walls around the perimeter.
The monastery in Pirita is a typical religious building of the 15th century. in the late Gothic style. The initiators and patrons of the construction were merchants of Revel, who ensured the delivery of building materials, providing all-round assistance. Representatives of the Order of St. Birgitta from Sweden played an important role in organizing the affairs of the convent. Most of the construction work was completed by 1436, and was consecrated by a bishop in August. Once upon a time 74 monasteries belonged to the Birgittin Order - from Estonia to Spain, and this monastery complex was the largest in Livonia.
Estonian Museum of Architecture
Founded in January 1991. This is the main base for the preservation of important urban planning documentation, taxonomy and popularization of knowledge on the history of the development of modern architecture of the country and the region. The main direction is the Estonian architecture of the 20th century and the present.
Since 1996, the Architectural Museum has moved to the Rotermann Salt Warehouse, a unique stone building (designed by the German engineer Ernst Boestedt). In the vaulted basement level at the beginning of the twentieth century, there was a warehouse, the processing of raw materials was carried out above.
It was decided to reconstruct the salt warehouse in 1995, according to the project of the architect Ülo Peili, while Taso Myahari was responsible for the interiors. The exhibition hall of the loft has undergone significant transformations in order to function as a museum collection, a kind of center for architecture and art. The museum collection is part of the International Confederation of Museums of Architecture ICAM. The Estonian branch functioned in the temporary premises of Old Tallinn (Kooli street 7), the most interesting part of the exposition is the medieval Loewenschede tower. Today, drawings, models and schemes of buildings and projects of the modern capital of Estonia are of the greatest value.
Marzipan museum
There are only a few such institutions in the world, the most popular Marzipan Museums are in Hungary and Estonia. Until now, not everyone knows what “marzipan” is, although there is a proverb that “a gypsy wedding will do without marzipans”. And in the fairy tale of Hoffmann about the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a "bribe" is mentioned in the form of a fabulously tasty treat. Most of the exhibits at such exhibitions are made, of course, from confectionery mass.
The Estonian exposition is smaller than the Hungarian, French, German, Israeli or Italian, but no less interesting. It is Tallinn that claims the proud title of the "homeland of marzipan", especially since it is here that the oldest recipe for its production was found. In this city, a delicious delicacy has been prepared for several centuries, improving the technology and proportional composition of ingredients.
The museum-cafe works in the old Maiasmokk building near the Town Hall Square. The exposition tells about all the interesting historical facts from the moment marzipans appeared in Estonia to the present day. Unique exhibits are marzipan dough figurines, pastry tiles and cakes. On special order, they can also perform something special, for example, a portrait silhouette of a regular customer of a pastry shop. Anyone can appreciate the work of local pastry chefs over a cup of aromatic coffee and take away something from the Estonian capital as an edible souvenir.
Kumu Art Museum
The main building of the Art Museum of Estonia is known as Kumu, it is the largest collection and venue for all kinds of exhibitions in Estonia. The honorary title of the European Museum of the Year by KUMU was awarded in 2008. International recognition encourages the museum staff to keep the bar high in the future. The purpose of the main exhibition is to acquaint visitors with the art of the region from the beginning of the 18th century to the present.
Exhibition galleries are located on different floors, these are permanent and thematic exhibitions that are periodically updated. The 3rd floor is of great interest for tourists; it is the history of the country's art from the 18th century to the Second World War. On the 4th floor, there is a collection of the 20th century, mainly of the Soviet period. Contemporary art is presented in a separate wing.
The collection of works of the Estonian Art Museum is considered the largest not only in the Baltic region, but also in Northern Europe. KUMU stands for "KUnstiMUuseum" or art museum. The author of the building project is the Finnish architect Pekka Vapavuori, it was a competition work in 1994.
