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Home  >  Estonia • Tallinn  >  Tallinn and its medieval gems

Tallinn and its medieval gems

Alex Posted onApril 25, 2018August 24, 2018 Estonia, Europe, Meriton Old Town Garden, Old Town, Solo Travel, Tallinn, Toompea 2 Comments

Tallinn is an underrated city that may not be on everyone’s travel radar. Perhaps the capital of Estonia is less well-known when compared to its European counterparts. But I am very sure that will change soon enough. If Nokia was what propelled Finland onto the world stage, then Skype is the catalyst for Estonia. Together with Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic nations are rapidly being recognized as countries with high-tech innovations. Tallinn is conveniently linked to Helsinki via a frequent ferry network. So I hopped on to one and chillaxed throughout the seamless 2.5 hours’ ride across the Gulf of Finland.

Helsinki Tallink ferry kiosks

On Tallink ferry ride

On board Tallink ferry

Tallink Terminal Tallinn

I head straight towards the medieval old town upon arrival. Some of the old town’s distinctive towers can be seen from the harbourside too.

View from Tallinn harbour area

Fishing at Tallinn harbour

Posted Contents

  • Tallinn Old Town
  • Town Hall Square
  • Toompea, Alexander Nevsky and Dome Church
  • Freedom Square
  • Defensive Walls of Tallinn
  • Von Krahli Aed and Café Maiasmokk
  • STAY: Meriton Old Town Garden Hotell

Tallinn Old Town

There are distinctive differences between the two capital cities. Helsinki has a more modern appearance while Tallinn appeals with an old-world charm. So I find myself wandering around a medieval town surrounded by stone walls and towers. It did not take me long to locate Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel along one of the cobblestone paths.

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotell Tallinn

Great looking car ad in Tallinn old town

Blue train Tallinn old town

Around Tallinn Old Town

Gate at Tallinn Old Town

There is this Sisehoov Courtyard nearby where interesting art pieces are being displayed.

Sisehoov Courtyard display

Sisehoov Courtyard display

Sisehoov Courtyard display

Sisehoov Courtyard display

Sisehoov Courtyard display

The Holy Spirit Church (Puhavaimu Kirik) near to Town Hall Square has this large goldish clock. The nicely decorated interior is worth a visit too.

Clock of Holy Spirit Church

Interior of Holy Spirit Church

Sculptures inside Holy Spirit Church

Sculpture inside Holy Spirit Church

Town Hall Square

Tallinn Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) is a lively place packed with cafes and restaurants. It is very well preserved despite its turbulent history. Tallinn was once fiercely contested and had fallen into the hands of foreign ruling powers like the Danes, Swedes, Russians, and Nazis. But once Estonia regained its independence after the collapse of Soviets, they picked themselves up rather than dwelling on the past. It’s impressive how the Estonians had turned these odds around. Unlike some peers who are still stuck in the post-Soviet era.

Town Hall Square of Tallinn

Tallinn Town Hall Square

Presiding over the square is the Town Hall building with the unique dragon drain pipes.

Tallinn Town Hall building

Tallinn Town Hall and Estonia Flag

Tallinn Town Hall dragon drain pipes

I paid a small entrance fee and climbed the narrow staircase to the top of Town Hall’s gothic Tower. The panoramic view is great indeed! That makes the climb on the uneven steps worthwhile.

Narrow staircase Town Hall’s gothic Tower

Tallinn Town Hall Square view from above

View from Town Hall gothic Tower

The square plays host to a market when I was back here next morning. There were stalls selling traditional Estonian stuff and souvenirs. It’s a pleasant atmosphere and the stall owners are one friendly bunch!

Market at Tallinn Town Hall Square

Market at Tallinn Town Hall Square

Market at Tallinn Town Hall Square

Market at Tallinn Town Hall Square

One of the many shops that sell Amber souvenirs. Which technically, not a local product since the yellow stones are mostly found in Latvia and Lithuania. I must admit it’s really nice to look at but I did not buy any.

Amber shop in Tallinn

Estonians at alleyway in Tallinn

Toompea, Alexander Nevsky and Dome Church

Toompea Hill is a limestone hill that has always been synonymous with power. It’s also known as ‘Upper Old Town’ where the ruling powers used as a stronghold in Toompea Castle. The Castle holds its importance to date where it houses the Parliament of Estonia and Government offices.

Around Toompea Hill area

Around Toompea Hill

Toompea Castle

Right across from Toompea Castle is the distinctive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Aleksander Nevski) in typical Russian Orthodox style. The impressive onion-domed Cathedral was built to assert Russian cultural influence. Hence, it’s often seen as a symbol of oppression and disliked by the locals. I am not sure how much of that sentiment still remains in the Estonians’ mind.

Nevertheless, the Cathedral is really stunning. The interior is nicely decorated with mosaics but it’s a pity that photo taking is not allowed inside.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn

Around the center of Toompea is where the oldest medieval church in Estonia is situated. Church of St Mary’s or more commonly known as the Dome Church (Toomkirik). The interior is filled with many interesting-looking Coats of Arms belonging to the nobles.

Dome Church of Tallinn

Coats of arm in Dome Church Tallinn

Coats of arm in Dome Church Tallinn

Freedom Square

Another main square at the Southern part of the Old Town is Freedom Square (Vabaduse Valjak). It’s a stark contrast to Town Hall Square with its modern look. The centerpiece here is the towering War of Independence Victory Column.

War of Independence Victory Column Tallinn

Tennis game at Freedom Square

Modern building near Freedom Square

Interesting Sculpture near Freedom Square

Defensive Walls of Tallinn

The medieval walls and towers were built as part of the city’s defense system. Many of which are still standing today and some can be visited and climb up inside.

Defensive Walls of Tallinn

Defensive tower of Tallinn

Fat Margaret of Tallinn

Estonians at the park

Darth Vader graffiti in Tallinn

Painting Vendor at street of Tallinn

Von Krahli Aed and Café Maiasmokk

Von Krahli Aed was highly recommended by the hotel staff and so I heed her advice. And she’s damn right about it! The food I had were tasty and of high quality. The restaurant’s interior décor is nice too.

Von Krahli Aed Tallinn

Von Krahli Aed interior decor

Soup at Von Krahli Aed

Dinner at Von Krahli Aed

I stumbled upon Café Maiasmokk which literally means ‘Sweet Tooth’. Ok, I am not exactly a fan of dessert but I was attracted by its traditional kind of interior. So, I ended up with some cakes and to soak up the nostalgic atmosphere. Only got to know later on that Café Maiasmokk is, in fact, the oldest operating café in Estonia!

Café Maiasmokk at Tallinn

Cakes at Café Maiasmokk

STAY: Meriton Old Town Garden Hotell

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel is situated in the middle of the Old Town which is excellent. It’s a good base being just a short walk from Town Hall Square. The room was clean and comfortable but I think the room size was too smallish. I will probably try staying in another hotel if I am back in Tallinn.

Meriton Old Town Garden Tallinn

Bedroom of Meriton Old Town Garden Tallinn

Bathroom of Meriton Old Town Garden

What are your thoughts about Tallinn? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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About Author

Alex

A Singapore Travel Blog about one guy, his camera and an irresistible impulse to travel. Join his adventures to find travel reviews and tips @ WanderLex.com. Read more

2 Comments

  1. Velysia Zhang Reply
    May 11, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    Hi, just stumbled across your blog, beautiful pictures! Would love to visit Estonia someday, the cathedral looks amazing!

    • Alex Reply
      May 12, 2018 at 6:55 am

      Hi Velysia, thanks for dropping by my humble blog! Hope you will be visiting soon and to share your travel thoughts about Estonia.

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