A walking tour to discover the historical beauties of the ancient Estonian capital
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, overlooks the Baltic Sea and is characterized by the old town surrounded by the old walled fortifications. The Estonian flag has three horizontal stripes: one blue like the sky, one black like the forests and one white like snow.
What to see in Tallinn
Fat Margaret
Arriving from the harbor area, to reach the medieval part of the City, we meet Fat Margaret, part of the ancient defensive walls of Tallinn. It is the tower that was originally used to defend the port and the City.
Merchants’ houses
Passing through the city gate, you see the 3 oldest houses in Tallinn. The whole City still retains the old and characteristic houses of medieval merchants, mainly of German origin.
St. Olaf’s Church e Viru Gates
Continuing down the street, you discover St. Olaf’s Church, with the tower that has long been the tallest in the Country. Continuing through St. Catherine’s Passage, you come to the other gate of the City, the Viru Gates, where you can appreciate Tallinn’s ancient defensive walls.
Toompea Castle e Danish King’s Garden
Continuing on the itinerary, we arrive at Toompea Castle with its Danish King’s Garden, from which it is possible to enjoy a beautiful view of the City. According to legend, during the battle, a red and white flag fell from the sky and led the Danish soldiers to victory. This is where the flag of Denmark was born.
Aleksander Nevsky Katedraali and Peapiiskopi Kirik
A few steps away, there is the beautiful Cathedral dedicated to St. Aleksander Nevsky, in typical Russian style, built in the period when Tallinn was part of the Russian Empire. A little further on, is the Lutheran church of Peapiiskopi Kirik, where rulers were buried.
Viewing point Kohtuotsa and Raekoja Square
The best point to see the skyline of Tallinn is the Kohtuotsa viewing point. From here you can then descend towards the City center in the beautiful Raekoja Square, Freedom Square, particularly festive and illuminated during Christmas time.
Telliskivi Loomelinnak and Kadriorg Palace
Not far from the medieval center of Tallin, there are two other interesting places to visit. Telliskivi Loomelinnak is an old redeveloped industrial area with several graffiti on the buildings. A 10-minute drive from the old town, you can reach the baroque-style Kadriorg Palace and its park.
Estonian Cuisine
Estonian cooking includes a lot of pork, often stewed, or ribs. As Tallinn overlooks the Baltic Sea, there are also many fish dishes, in sour sauce or marinated.
Tallinn, the pearl of the Baltic Sea
Tallinn is a small pearl of the Baltic Sea, which can be visited in a few hours on foot. It is rich in curiosities and legends, among the historical guilds and merchants’ houses. Old stories of battles report how peoples have contended the City over the centuries.
Travel Extension to Helsinki
From Tallinn by ship you can easily reach Helsinki and visit the beautiful Finnish capital: