Tag: Estonia

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Tallinn, Estonia

TALLINN, ESTONIA
A Fairytale City Of New And Old
Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO-listed old towns in Northern Europe, striking a balance between the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history, Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe’s hidden gem, boasting a picturesque allure that few cities can rival.

Having endured numerous occupations in its history, Estonia finally gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since pursued progressive, forward-thinking policies. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country’s increasing integration with the European Union, offering Tallinn a chance to showcase and enhance its cultural heritage. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates, past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts.

Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn, and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it, you’re walking the same pathways that Tallinn’s people have walked since the 13th century.

Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls, lose yourself in deep museums, and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church, one of the city’s most famous, with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city’s sea of red roofs, interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets.

SIGHTS
• St Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Kaik)
• Air Museum
• Kiek in de Kök
• Niguliste Kirik
• Kadriorg Park
• Tallinna Teletorn
• Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral.

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The most distinctive Estonian souvenirs are traditional Estonian handicrafts, including knitwear, linen, ceramics, leather, and wood, particularly juniper wood. Most of Estonian design can be seen in small galleries, design boutiques, and fashion stores.
Tuljak has a long history. The restaurant building itself is a good example of modern Estonian architecture from 1964. During the Soviet era, Tuljak cafe served the people of Tallinn.

Today’s Excursion – Historic Tallinn
We experience the history and architecture of Tallinn during a scenic driving and walking tour of the Upper Old Town.
Orientation Drive
We drove out of the city centre and past Kadriorg Park, the main recreation area of Tallinn. An Italian architect designed the park for Peter the Great, following the Tsar’s conquest of Estonia during the Great Northern War. We visited the grounds where the popular Estonian Song Festival is held every five years. We continued with a drive through the Lasnamäe residential area to learn about Estonia´s Soviet period and the different cultures that lived side by side in the country.

Upper Old Town Walking Tour
We visited the Old Town, starting at the foot of the ‘Tall Hermann’ Tower; then began a walking tour along the cobblestone lanes and narrow alleys. We passed by Medieval houses, towers, and bastions en route to the Upper Town of Toompea Hill. We saw the Upper Town, the pseudo-Baroque Toompea Palace, which houses the Estonian Parliament, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevski, and the ‘hate wall’ separating the nobility’s and the merchants’ towns.

The walking tour continued past the oldest school in Estonia, which dates from 1319. The famous 13th-century Dome Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, dates from 1233 A.D. and features more than 100 coats of arms of former noble families. We proceed to a scenic viewpoint for panoramic vistas over the Lower Town, which is highlighted by seaside towers and steeples rising above the cluster of red-tiled roofs.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant