Do you want to experience time travel? I have discovered the perfect destination for that. Since 1997 this historical core has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You see, its one of the most complete, intact and well-preserved cities dating from the 13th century. The medieval magic of Old Town Tallinn Estonia will leave you in awe.
Brief History
What began as a fortress built in 1050AD on Toompea Hill, developed into a wealthy merchant city called Revel. The 13th century saw the beginning of this expansion under Danish Rule. Shortly after, the lower portion of the city blossomed under the Hanseatic League. This group of powerful medieval guilds was formed as a way for the merchants to protect themselves against pirates.
The league was extremely well organized and at its peak during the 13th to 15th centuries, included nearly 200 cities in Northern Europe. Tallinn is one of those cities.
Town Hall
The best place to start to explore Old Town is at Town Hall located in the largest square. Built in the 1370’s, it is the oldest town hall in the Baltic and Scandinavian region. This beautiful stone structure consists of two floors and a basement. That stunning tower soars 64 metres tall and the weather vane called ‘Old Thomas’ has been there since 1530! Today Town Hall is open to visitors and for a fee, you can walk through this museum like space filled with original décor and even climb the tower.
Market Square
The largest square is right here, surrounded by the colorful and beautifully preserved medieval merchant houses. For eight centuries, this has been the central trading hub of Tallinn and continues in those footsteps today. In the winter there is an annual Christmas market and, in summer, traditional craft fairs. I was lucky to arrive in time to experience one of these craft markets and the items for sale are truly unique, locally made and special.
Many of the houses surrounding the square retain details from their medieval past. One stands out in particular and is called Raeapteek or Town Hall Pharmacy. Serving customers since 1422, it is one of Europe’s oldest continually operating pharmacies. Visitors can enter for free to have a look at the small historical area and purchase anything they may need.
Market Square today is the perfect place to relax at any one of the outdoor café style restaurants, people watch, fill your belly and take in the magical atmosphere that is Tallinn.
Streets
Ok let’s explore some of these old streets now. They follow the original medieval city plan and have not been altered or changed. Tallinn is actually quite hilly so these cobblestone streets undulate up and down as the terrain shifts. Pikk Street is a particularly popular one for seeing a dense concentration of medieval architecture.
Houses
Lining the streets are the most well preserved and extraordinary medieval buildings I have ever seen. The sheer number of them is astonishing as are the details they retain. Each one with their high-pitched gables soars into the air at its peak. Tiny windows, cranes and hooks and iron grills are a fraction of the unique aspects to this style of architecture. Originally most of these houses contained a basement, main floor that served as a hall and reception area for visitors, and living quarters above.
Guild Halls
There are several of these scattered around the Old Town that retain their original character. In 1410 the Great Guild Hall was constructed and shortly after that the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads. This was an association of ship builders and foreign merchants who renovated their building in 1597 to reflect a more renaissance style. That extraordinary wooden door dates from 1640 and the wood and stone carvings of Saint Maurice, their patron saint, adorn the surrounds.
Cat’s Well
Up one hilly street is a large well known as the Cat’s Well. Created in 1375 it served as the primary source of fresh water for the city for centuries. A legend surrounds the well that says a fairy lived at the bottom. The residents believed that the fairy needed to be regularly fed in order for the well to not go dry. The sacrifices? Stray cats thrown in dead or alive. 😬
The Churches
Let’s begin with St Olaf’s Church with its soaring tower that was once the tallest building in the world! Not the most attractive church in town, but a landmark just the same.
St Nicholas’ Church is a 15th century Gothic masterpiece with such an ornate multi-faceted façade. I was particularly drawn to the deep purple wall surrounding the marble entrance doors. This church is huge and stands rather alone with a grassy knoll surrounding two sides of it.
St Catherines Church is not to be missed for several reasons. First of all, down one side is Katariina Kaik, a 14th century medieval lane almost perfectly preserved. Just past the narrowest section and attached to one wall of the church are absolutely massive medieval tombstones. One of these dates from 1388 and contains the oldest known coat of arms in Tallinn. Another dating from 1381 has the oldest known depiction of a Tallinn lady.
I have to end this post here, it is evident I am not going to be able to cover this extraordinary old town in one go. You won’t believe it when I show you the defensive fortifications that contain 20 medieval towers, two incredible gates, secret bastions and tunnels, and a castle! Like I mentioned in the introduction, this historical city is indeed awe inspiring and every single time I enter and explore, I’m left with more wonder.
