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Tallinn Old Town

Tallinn Old Town
About

Tallinn Old Town is a remarkably preserved medieval cityscape that transports visitors back to the Hanseatic era. Enclosed by ancient stone walls and dotted with red-roofed towers, its cobbled streets wind past Gothic churches, merchant houses, and hidden courtyards. The area is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill, historically the seat of power, and the Lower Town, once a bustling hub of trade and craftsmanship. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Tallinn Old Town reflects centuries of cultural exchange and resilience, having withstood wars, occupations, and modernisation. Highlights include the Town Hall Square, St. Olaf’s Church, and the medieval city walls with their watchtowers. Despite its historical roots, the Old Town remains vibrant, filled with cafés, galleries, and artisan shops that blend past and present. Whether explored by day or lit by lanterns at night, Tallinn Old Town offers an immersive journey through Estonia’s rich urban heritage.

Tallinn Estonia
Location

Tallinn Old Town is centrally located on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland and forms the historic heart of Estonia’s capital. Enclosed by medieval city walls and towers, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Its cobblestone streets wind through a compact area divided into the upper town of Toompea, with its castle and panoramic viewpoints, and the lower town, home to merchants’ houses and bustling squares. Highlights include Town Hall Square with its 13th-century Gothic Town Hall, the iconic Viru Gate, St. Olaf’s Church, the Holy Spirit Church, and St. Catherine’s Passage with artisan workshops. Nearby, visitors can explore the Estonian History Museum in the Great Guild Hall, Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Danish King’s Garden. The Old Town is filled with cafés, galleries, and shops, offering a vibrant blend of history, culture, and local life, all easily explored on foot.

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