Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn in Estonia

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Tourism in Tallinn
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Digital Tallinn - city guide of the Capital of Estonia
Tallinn (Open Estonia Foundation)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 113 ha
- Buffer zone: 2,253 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 24,733°
Latitude: 59,433°

Summary

The origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, when a castle was built there by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order. It developed as a major centre of the Hanseatic League, and its wealth is demonstrated by the opulence of the public buildings (the churches in particular) and the domestic architecture of the merchants' houses, which have survived to a remarkable degree despite the ravages of fire and war in the intervening centuries.

Location on Map

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Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn: A Glimpse into Estonia's Rich History

The Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn, located in the County of Harju, Estonia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a captivating journey through centuries of history. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and enchanting atmosphere, this ancient city has become a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

History

The history of Tallinn dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by the Danish King Valdemar II. Over the centuries, the city flourished as a key trading hub in the Baltic Sea region, attracting merchants from various European countries. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Finland made it an important center for commerce and cultural exchange.

During the medieval period, Tallinn was a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance that dominated Northern Europe. The city's prosperity led to the construction of magnificent churches, merchant houses, and defensive walls, which still stand today as a testament to its glorious past.

Throughout its history, Tallinn has been influenced by various cultures, including Danish, German, Swedish, and Russian. These influences are reflected in the city's architecture, blending Gothic, Baroque, and Russian Orthodox styles. The Old Town's narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and well-preserved medieval buildings create a unique and charming atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Current State

The Historic Centre of Tallinn has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to experience the city's medieval charm. The Old Town is divided into two parts: the Upper Town (Toompea) and the Lower Town. The Upper Town, situated on a limestone hill, is home to the iconic Toompea Castle, which houses the Estonian Parliament. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Russian Orthodox church, is another prominent landmark in this area.

The Lower Town is the heart of the Old Town, bustling with activity and lined with well-preserved medieval buildings. The Town Hall Square, surrounded by colorful merchant houses, is a focal point for locals and tourists alike. The Gothic-style Tallinn Town Hall, dating back to the 13th century, is an architectural gem and one of the oldest town halls in Northern Europe.

Exploring the Old Town, visitors can also discover numerous churches, such as St. Olaf's Church, a towering Gothic masterpiece, and St. Nicholas' Church, which houses an impressive collection of medieval art. The city walls, complete with towers and gates, offer panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea.

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
Kopli 2 c
10412 Tallinn
Estonia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Videos from the area

Tallinn-Balti jaamast Lelle.

Published: December 15, 2008
Length: 08:36 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: pajositalu

Rong Tallinn-Balti jaamast Lelle.

Trains @ Tallinn - January 2013

Published: January 19, 2013
Length: 52:41 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: pouchklepper

Trains at Central station of Estonian capital Tallinn, national trains by Edelaraudtee as well as international trains by GO Rail to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Tours-TV.com: Toompea Fortress

Published: December 17, 2014
Length: 37:35 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Estonia : Tallinn. See on map http://tours-tv.com/en/Tallinn-Toompea-Fortress .

Tallinn, Estonia part I - The Journey there

Published: January 03, 2012
Length: 15:51 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: TheSwedishLad

Crossing into Russia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BEhfqLVVMU We made it to Tallinn, the capital of the baltic state Estonia. I give you a look-back at the journey from Nida, Lithuania,...

#5 The Law of Intention and Desire

Published: November 29, 2009
Length: 44:40 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Gone Vegan

http://www.ashtanga.ee/jockes-blog http://www.twitter.com/jockesalokorpi This is the fifth law from the seven spiritual laws of success; the book written by Deepak Chopra. I will upload...