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Nestled in the north-eastern part of the Baltic Sea area,
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has to be one
of the best preserved medieval towns in the whole of Europe.
The Old Town area has been on UNESCO's World Heritage
List since 1997, and as soon as you've glimpsed its quaint
architecture and unique atmosphere you'll understand why.
Merchants homes, churches, state buildings and even barns
and warehouses have all survived intact since the medieval
period.
History
Constructed mainly between the 11th and 15th centuries, Tallinn
had built up its reputation across the Baltic region because
of its membership of the Hanseatic League during the
15th and 16th century. The League was formed around the middle
of the 12th century by German and Scandinavian seafaring merchants.
As there were no navies to protect valuable cargoes, and no
international bodies to regulate tariffs and trade, the merchants
worked together to establish tariffs, provide for common defence
and to make sure ports were safely maintained. This security
meant that Tallinn grew to be a major port and its The Hanseatic
League (Hansa) was formed around the middle of the 12th century
by German and Scandinavian seafaring merchants. Since there
were no navies to protect their cargos, no international bodies
to regulate tariffs and trade, and few ports had regulatory
authorities to manage their use, the merchants banded together
to establish tariff agreements, provide for common defence
and to make sure ports were safely maintained. New economic
power boosted artistic and cultural activity there with a
lasting effect.
Things to see and do:
The Old Town
Taking a walking tour around the city is a must, and will
help you soak up the historic atmosphere of the old town at
its best as you stroll through the picturesque backstreets
and absorb the bright activity of its bustling, cobbled squares.
You can either find yourself an official guide by looking
out for posters or leaflets at the tourist office (located
at Niguliste 2 / Kullassepa 4) and around the gift shops,
or otherwise set your own itinerary and pace with a map and
guidebook in hand. A few places you might like to include
in your tour:
- The Town Hall Square, which has been a marketplace,
fairground and meeting place for centuries. It was even used
for executions.
- Tallinn Town Hall is the best-preserved medieval
town hall in Northern Europe. The presence of the Town Hall
itself was first recorded as early as 1322.
- The Town Council's Apothecary, is one of the oldest
pharmacies still operating in its original building inside
Europe.
- St. Olaf's Church was the tallest church in 13th
Century Medieval Europe. The "Neitsitorn", or "Virgin
Tower" was built in the second half of the 14th century,
at the same time as the imposing city wall. It has suffered
under attacks many times, and has often been rebuilt several
times. Today it houses a relaxing café, the ideal place
to enjoy a sweeping view over the Old Town and downtown area.
Travellers tips
Another tip is to get hold of the all-inclusive city card,
issued by Tallinn City Tourist Office, early in your stay.
The card is the easiest way explore the Capital's cultural
and historical heritage without having to worry about entrance
fees and fares. It entitles you to admission to all museums
and main sights in Tallinn, sightseeing tours, free use of
public transport and discounts in restaurants and shops, as
well as other offers. You can buy the Card from the Tallinn
City Tourist Office at Mündi 2, and it can cover periods
of 6, 24, 48 or 72 hours, depending on your plans and how
much you've got to spend.
When to visit
The weather in Tallinn is marked by a fairly cold winter,
a cool spring with little rain, a fairly warm summer and a
long, rainy autumn. Some summers have weeks at a stretch of
temperatures above 80F, and a warm, bright summer can keep
autumn back until mid-October. The best time to visit is probably
between April and August, before any autumn rains set in,
and when most concerts, festivals and outdoor events take
place.
Entertainment and nightlife
Festivals
Lively seasonal festivals and events take place in Tallinn
throughout the year. These include football matches, bike
rallies, street theatre festivals, film festivals music showcases
and lake-running competitions. One of the special highlights
is the Old Town Days, held at midsummer, when the central
Town Hall Square is transformed into a medieval market, complete
with local handicrafts, art, foods, music and dancing, as
well as costumed clowns, citizens and musicians entertaining
in the streets. Whether you come to hunt for bargains, explore
the city's history or simply to soak up the festive atmosphere,
you won't be disappointed.
Music concerts
If you're interested in classical or modern music, Tallinn
is packed with intimate and varied concert venues, attracting
a wide range of performance. The beautiful Medieval Town
Hall, the imposing House of the Brotherhood of the
Blackheads, the grand St Nicholas's Museum Concert
Hall, the Gate Tower and the Kanuti Guild Hall
are just a few of the many places you might like to visit
during your time in the city. To find out what's on when you
are there, look out for posters and leaflets when walking
through the town, or ask at the tourist information office
for details of events.
Eating and drinking
Attractive bars and restaurants abound in Tallinn, with a
wide range of traditional food venues and modern cuisine packed
into the small area of the Old Town itself. Even if you don't
opt for a taste of medieval meals at a traditional restaurant,
you might still find yourself eating modern food inside a
14th century building with an intimate, unforgettable atmosphere.
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