Tallin

Tallin

The capital of Estonia, Tallin was once an important town in the Hanseatic League. The Danes, Germans and Russians have all put their stamp on Estonia. The famous Toopea Castle today houses the Estonia Parliament, but once was the site of a 12th century Danish castle. The upper town of Tallin includes an intricate system of medieval streets and picturesque houses. From the lower town, visit Kadriorg Palace, built in 1718 at the request of Peter the Great for his beloved wife Catherine.

Activities

You could easily say that Peter the Great's spectacular Northern Baroque palace is a work of art in and of itself, but the palace is also home to Estonia's museum of foreign art 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 St. Olav's Church was the tallest church in Medieval Europe. Little is known about the building of this Gothic style church and its early years, but there may have been a church on this location as early as the 12th century, alongside the Scandinavian market yard The pharmacy, which stands on the corner of the Town Hall Square, was first mentioned in historical documents in 1422, but by some accounts, it may be older still. The town council-governed pharmacy sold many other goods besides medicine Town Wall with its defence towers had become one of the most powerful and strongest defense systems in Northern Europe by the 16th century Kiek in de Kök was the most powerful cannon tower in 16th-century Northern Europe. It is written in the chronicles that Kiek in de Kök was once the most powerful tower along the Baltic shores Toompea Castle is one of Estonia's oldest and grandest architectural groupings Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin is the main Lutheran church in Estonia and one of three functioning medieval churches Dominican Monastery Museum is the oldest cloister in downtown Tallinn St. Catherine's Passage is a landmark combining master craftsmen's workshops with a medieval atmosphere. The open studios of artisans are now located here, and visitors can watch artists and craftsmen practise their craft Niguliste Museum-Concert Hall has three of the four most important Medieval works of art in Estonia on display Church of Holy Ghost is the only sacred building from the 14th century in Tallinn that has preserved its original form Kadriorg Park is the most notable park artwork in Estonia. The park was originally nearly 100 hectares in size, but is not preserved in its entirety Tallinn Botanic Gardens contain over 8 000 plant species and classes

Shopping

There are plenty of local arts and crafts in a variety of small shops around the center of town. Paintings, ceramics and sculptures, woolen goods and fine pieces of amber made into jewelry make interesting buys. Some shops also offer imported goods, especially Finnish wares.

Food

Food is plain and hearty. Fish is a good choice. Try the anchovies, herring, sprats and trout (smoked, pickled or salted), or forrell, which is smoked trout served with praetud sai (fried bread) and boiled potatoes.

Currency

National currency is the Estonian kroon (EEK)

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Sailing Calendar

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