Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia
20.07.2016
The Altstadt von Tallinn, also known as the Old Town of Tallinn, is a charming and historic district located in the city of Tallinn, Estonia. It is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Altstadt von Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and ancient walls still intact. It is divided into two parts – the Upper Town and the Lower Town, both of which offer a unique blend of medieval and modern architecture.
One of the highlights of the Altstadt von Tallinn is the Town Hall Square, a bustling hub of activity with its street performers, outdoor cafes, and vibrant markets. It is also home to the iconic Town Hall, an impressive Gothic-style building that has stood since the 13th century.
The Upper Town is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea. It is home to several historical landmarks such as the Toompea Castle, which houses the Estonian Parliament, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox church with its onion-shaped domes.
The Lower Town, on the other hand, is a maze of narrow streets lined with medieval merchant houses, cozy cafes, and charming boutique shops. It is also home to the St. Olaf’s Church, a Gothic-style church that was once the tallest building in the world.
Visitors to the Altstadt von Tallinn can also explore the many museums and galleries scattered throughout the district, showcasing the rich history and culture of Estonia. The area also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Christmas Market in the winter.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Altstadt von Tallinn also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and clubs to choose from.
Overall, the Altstadt von Tallinn is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Estonia. Its charming atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich history make it a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
The origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, when a castle was built there by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order. It developed as a major centre of the Hanseatic League, and its wealth is demonstrated by the opulence of the public buildings (the churches in particular) and the domestic architecture of the merchants' houses, which have survived to a remarkable degree despite the ravages of fire and war in the intervening centuries.
Tallinn Old Town (Estonian: Tallinna vanalinn) is the oldest part of Tallinn, Estonia. Old Town of Tallinn has managed to wholly preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin. Old Town represents an exceptionally intact 13th century city plan. Since 1997, the area has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old town is bordered by the Walls of Tallinn. Its area is 113 ha and there is a buffer zone of 2,253 ha.The majority of the Old Town's structures were built during the 13th–16th centuries.
During World War II, while the German army occupied Estonia in 1941–1944, Tallinn Old Town suffered from several instances of aerial bombing by the Soviet air force. During the most destructive Soviet bombing raid on 9–10 March 1944, over a thousand incendiary bombs were dropped on Tallinn, causing widespread fires, destroying about 10% of the buildings in the Old Town, killing hundreds, and leaving over 20,000 people without shelter.
