Appearances can be deceiving. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, looks like a medieval wonderland. Ancient walls circle the delicious old town. Cobbles, church spires and castles clutter the city. Compact and allowing for easy mobility, Tallinn sounds a bit more like a little town in some far off land, cut off from technology and time. While on the surface the city may seem old fashioned, buried within you will find the world leader in free, public WiFi, the birthplace of Skype, and an incredibly technology with-it city. Located in northeastern Europe, lapping up the shores of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn proves you can never make assumptions based on appearances.
Encasing Tallinn like an overprotective mother, the Town Walls and Towers of the city remain one of the city’s favorite appeals. Beginning in 1265, the walls and towers have surrounded the old town, protecting it from harm. The wall outline we see today is largely from the 14h century. Just shy of 2 kilometers of the wall still stands, along with 20 defensive towers. The best view of Tallinn’s protectors comes on the Patkuli view platform.
Stepping inside those walls, most head to the Town Hall Square in Tallinn. For eight centuries, the center of the old town dots with merchant homes, cafes, the Town Hall and the Town Hall Pharmacy. The Town Hall and the Town Hall Pharmacy steal away most glances anywhere else in the square. The Town Hall functions as the only intact Gothic hall in Northern Europe. It sticks out with its lengthy spire. The title of oldest continuously running pharmacy in Europe falls at the job of the Town Hall Pharmacy. Opened in 1422, the Town Hall Pharmacy contains displays of medical curios. Aside from being a meeting place, the Town Hall Square hosts open air concerts and fairs throughout the year.
After a touch of old town charm in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, you may start craving for more. Toompea Castle and Pikk Hermann Tower have served as the seat of Estonian power since 1227. Looks at Toompea Castle can be deceiving. A pink baroque palace in front bears a medieval backside. Much of the original 13th and 14th century shape of the Castle has been retained. Standing right at the castle’s side, the Pikk Hermann Tower hovers to 46 meters in height. The tower has become a national symbol of not just Tallinn but also Estonia. Even under these structures, the old town walls interest and intrigue lurks. The Kiek in de Kök represent the city’s 17th century tunnels under the Toompea bastions.
Feast your camera and eyes to Saint Catherine’s Passage and Masters’ Courtyard while in Tallinn. The passageway brags of being a celebrity of sorts in town. It is one of the most photogenic of Tallinn’s old town lanes. Dressing the side of Saint Catherine’s, artists sell their goods, including hats, ceramics, and quilts. The area bodes well for shoppers looking to pick up local handicrafts, jewelry, and art.
After taking in the local handicrafts, a museum visit or two is in order. Two sides to Tallinn are represented. The Museum of Occupations displays the harsher points in the country’s history when under Nazi and Soviet occupational life. In a more uplifting light, the Kumu models as the nation’s premier art museum.
Heading out of the Old Town, Tallinn won’t let you escape more palaces and extraordinary structures. Kadriorg Park and Palace decorate the area with an elaborate baroque palace. Surrounding it all, a park made up of forests, ponds, and fountains complete the fairytale image.
Tallinn is revolutionary in that you can be taking in the latest Internet news while admiring medieval buildings in between downloads. All crashing into one, Tallinn totes a beautiful appearance, but an even better interior. No wonder this city is the 2011 European Capital of Culture. It has found a happy medium and outsiders are starting to take note.
