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Tallinn
5. june 2003
Tallinn - Medieval Capital
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and its population is approximately one third of the entire population of Estonian. Tallinn was first mentioned in 1154 on the world map of the Arabian geographer al-Idrisi by the name of Kolyvan.
Tourists and visitors are most attracted to the Old Town of the city, that is like a museum of medieval architecture. The most typical building material is limestone, that has been used since the 13th century in the construction of the town wall, defence towers, churches, the Town Hall and the lower town.
The Town Hall Square
The square in front of the Town Hall functioned as a marketplace even before the Town Hall itself was built. The square was used for celebrations, but also for executions.
Today, the square is a social focus of the city, filled with outdoor cafés in the summer, as well as open-air concerts, handicraft fairs and medieval markets. In the winter, the crowds are enchanted by the Christmas tree, put up for a month or more (a tradition whose roots stretch back to 1441) and the Christmas Market, where people go to buy Christmas presents and catch the Christmas spirit.
Tallinn Town Hall
Tallinn`s late Gothic Town Hall building is one of the most famed symbols of the city, recognized throughout Estonia as a venerable, unique architectural treasure.
The Town Hall was established on the central square, probably at the beginning of 13th century. In 1402-1404, the building was substantially reconstructed. The exterior we know today dates from this period, and the basic room plan has also been preserved, as it was reconstructed for hosting receptions.
The second floor was and still is the main floor, where the Citizen`s Hall, the Council Hall, a small kitchen and chancery are located and where festive receptions and concerts are held, just as they were in the Medieval days of yore. The three-nave cellar hall is open to citizens and guests today as an exhibit hall.
Kiek in de Kök
Kiek in de Kök was the most powerful cannon tower in 16th-century Northern Europe.The round cannon tower, built in the latter part of the 15th century, had a diameter of 17 meters. Its height is 38 meters and its walls are 4 meters thick. The tower was just high enough that its guards had a view into the kitchens of neighbouring buildings. Of course the view also extended to the enemy’s rear. The tower’s name, "peek in the kitchen", comes from its height.Kiek in de Kök, situated on the slope of Toompea Hill, is the most powerful defense tower in the Baltic region. Today the tower holds a permanent exhibit on the emergence of Tallinn, on three floors, tells the story of the birth and development of Tallinn and the most important military events from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
The Viru Gates
The Viru Gates are in the eastern section of the city wall. The main tower of the gates was originally built in the years 1345-1355. Today, Viru is one of the main entryways in the Town Wall, leading into the Old Town to Viru Street, a main shopping and dining street of the Old Town.
Toompea Castle
Built in the 13th to the 14th centuries, the castle is situated on the steep limestone coast, 50 meters above sea level. It is one of the most potent symbols of reigning power, conquered over the centuries by various nations. Today, the Estonian Parliament is housed here.
Dome Church
Dome Church is the main Lutheran church in Estonia and one of three functioning medieval churches.
The present appearance of the Dome Church is the result of much rebuilding. The original temporary wooden church is thought to have been built on Toompea Hill in 1219, and was first mentioned in 1233.a.
The open air museum in Rocca al Mare is often visited, along with the palace and park of Kadriorg, which recalls the conquest of Peter the Great.
Tallinn Official Website
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