Travel Tallinn Guide
A truly ancient city, Tallinn was first populated about 3,500 years ago. Tallinn may be one of Europe's most quickly modernizing cities and the changes which have been seen here in the last decade have been drastic. Though still filled with ancient stone buildings, meandering alleyways and gorgeous old cathedrals, Tallinn has also become known for its modern high-rises and trendy nightclubs.
Tallinn is still known mainly for its medieval architecture and history. It is said that Tallinn's "Golden Age" happened during Europe's medieval period, from the 15th through the mid 16th century; and it is this period which had the greatest influence on Tallinn's culture. Many medieval structures are still in tact, even farmhouses and barns on the outskirts of the city. Because of the well-preserved and fascinating medieval artifacts to be found there, the entirety of Tallinn's Old Town has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within Tallinn's Old Town, visitors will find the cobblestone Town Hall Square which has been bustling with activity for centuries. In the dead center of Old Town, this meeting and market place fills with café tables, artists, vendors and performers in the summer time, and in the winter a giant Christmas tree draws crowds daily. A traditional Medieval market is held here, and the feel of the place is authentically medieval and surprisingly quaint year-round.
Each year in Tallinn's Old Town a festival is held called the "Old Town Days". This festival is a medieval-style celebration which includes such old-time activities as Knights' Jousts, Parrot shooting, Estonian folk music concerts and traditional dancing. At this festival one can also sample traditional Estonian cuisine cooked fresh on the street by costumed vendors and by native crafts from local artisans. The festival is centered in Old Town, but takes place throughout the city.
At the time it was built, in 1500, St. Olaf's Church was the tallest church in the world. This Gothic church is an imposing structure, which towers over Tallinn and gives a spooky and medieval edge to the cities ever-growing skyline. The contrast between the spires of this old structure and the modern steel and glass high-rises is characteristic of Tallinn's present-day culture. One cannot visit Tallinn without a stroll through this musky edifice.
Tallinn was once the best-defended city in Europe; with a tall and thick wall surrounding the entirety of the city proper. The construction of the wall began in 1300, and this three-meter thick fortress-speckled spectacle is still standing in many places around the city. In addition to feeling safe from invaders in Tallinn, you are sure to get some welcomed chills as you explore this story-book city. For those interested in medieval history, you will not find a better, living representation of those enchanted times than the city of Tallinn.
Tallinn is still known mainly for its medieval architecture and history. It is said that Tallinn's "Golden Age" happened during Europe's medieval period, from the 15th through the mid 16th century; and it is this period which had the greatest influence on Tallinn's culture. Many medieval structures are still in tact, even farmhouses and barns on the outskirts of the city. Because of the well-preserved and fascinating medieval artifacts to be found there, the entirety of Tallinn's Old Town has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within Tallinn's Old Town, visitors will find the cobblestone Town Hall Square which has been bustling with activity for centuries. In the dead center of Old Town, this meeting and market place fills with café tables, artists, vendors and performers in the summer time, and in the winter a giant Christmas tree draws crowds daily. A traditional Medieval market is held here, and the feel of the place is authentically medieval and surprisingly quaint year-round.
Each year in Tallinn's Old Town a festival is held called the "Old Town Days". This festival is a medieval-style celebration which includes such old-time activities as Knights' Jousts, Parrot shooting, Estonian folk music concerts and traditional dancing. At this festival one can also sample traditional Estonian cuisine cooked fresh on the street by costumed vendors and by native crafts from local artisans. The festival is centered in Old Town, but takes place throughout the city.
At the time it was built, in 1500, St. Olaf's Church was the tallest church in the world. This Gothic church is an imposing structure, which towers over Tallinn and gives a spooky and medieval edge to the cities ever-growing skyline. The contrast between the spires of this old structure and the modern steel and glass high-rises is characteristic of Tallinn's present-day culture. One cannot visit Tallinn without a stroll through this musky edifice.
Tallinn was once the best-defended city in Europe; with a tall and thick wall surrounding the entirety of the city proper. The construction of the wall began in 1300, and this three-meter thick fortress-speckled spectacle is still standing in many places around the city. In addition to feeling safe from invaders in Tallinn, you are sure to get some welcomed chills as you explore this story-book city. For those interested in medieval history, you will not find a better, living representation of those enchanted times than the city of Tallinn.