Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn's largest and grandest cupola cathedral.
The large, richly decorated Orthodox church, in mixed historicist style, was built on Toompea Hill in 1900, when Estonia ...
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn's largest and grandest cupola cathedral.
The large, richly decorated Orthodox church, in mixed historicist style, was built on Toompea Hill in 1900, when Estonia was part of the Russian tsarist empire. The architect of the church was Mikhail Preobrazhenski from St. Petersburg. The church is dedicated to the Prince of Novgorod, Alexander Yaroslavitz Nevsky, who led the famous Ice Battle on the banks of Lake Peipsi on 5 April, 1242 and halted the Germans' eastward advance.
Before the building of the cathedral, there was a garden on the same site, in front of Toompea Castle, with a memorial to Martin Luther. The well-maintained cathedral is the grandest sacred Orthodox structure in Tallinn.
The church's belltowers hold Tallinn's most powerful church bell ensemble, consisting of 11 bells, including the largest in Tallinn, weighing 15 tonnes. You can hear the entire bell ensemble playing before church services. The interior, decorated with mosaics and icons, is well worth a visit.
The Danish King's Garden is situated next to Toompea Hill.
Old legends tell us the Danes received their national flag in Tallinn. On the brink of losing the battle on the 15th of July, 1219, the flag ...
The Danish King's Garden is situated next to Toompea Hill.
Old legends tell us the Danes received their national flag in Tallinn. On the brink of losing the battle on the 15th of July, 1219, the flag was handed down to them from the skies, and the battle tide turned. Denmark's victory resulted in over a hundred years of Danish rule in Tallinn and northern Estonia.
Each summer, Danneborg Day is celebrated in this romantic garden.
The inner chambers of the Dominican Monastery once included three wings, together called the Claustrum, of which the east wing still remains. It consists of a monks’ dormitory, library, refectory, prior’s ...
The inner chambers of the Dominican Monastery once included three wings, together called the Claustrum, of which the east wing still remains. It consists of a monks’ dormitory, library, refectory, prior’s living quarters and other rooms, all of which provide an interesting view into the lives of medieval monks. Visitors shouldn’t miss the mysterious “Energy Pillar” in the cellar, thought to be a source of physical and spiritual health.
Dating back to 1246, St. Catherine’s Monastery is historically important as Tallinn’s oldest intact building. Its beautiful courtyard, which is accessed through the courtyard of the adjacent Peter and ...
Dating back to 1246, St. Catherine’s Monastery is historically important as Tallinn’s oldest intact building. Its beautiful courtyard, which is accessed through the courtyard of the adjacent Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, is one of the most captivating spots in all of the Baltics. While here, you’ll also see some surrounding stonelined halls where Dominican monks once walked. These ancient passages now display fascinating examples of medieval stonemasonry.
Located in Tallinn’s 15th-century Great Guild Hall, itself a spectacular relic of Tallinn’s past that’s well worth a peek, this museum showcases Estonian history from ancient times to the end of the 18th ...
Located in Tallinn’s 15th-century Great Guild Hall, itself a spectacular relic of Tallinn’s past that’s well worth a peek, this museum showcases Estonian history from ancient times to the end of the 18th century.
The Great Coastal Gate (Suur Rannavärav) and Fat Margaret's Tower (Paks Margareeta) were built as a defense on the seaward side of town, but also for impressing visitors coming in from the sea.
The Great ...
The Great Coastal Gate (Suur Rannavärav) and Fat Margaret's Tower (Paks Margareeta) were built as a defense on the seaward side of town, but also for impressing visitors coming in from the sea.
The Great Coastal Gate, built along with the city wall, is situated on the northern side of the Old Town, near the harbour.
During the reconstruction of the gate in the early 16th century, the cannon tower Fat Margaret was added. The round tower, with 155 loopholes, a diameter of 25 meters, and a height of about 20 meters, was built to protect the harbour. It got its name from the fact that it was indeed the stoutest tower in the city wall. Through history, the cannon tower has also served as a storehouse for gunpowder and weapons, and as a prison.
Fat Margaret's Tower now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum, with a permanent exhibit on Estonian maritime and fishing history. The viewing platform on the roof affords a lovely view onto the Old Town and the bay.
From the 14th to the 18th centuries, this squat, round house in the corner of Old Town was the site of a horse-powered mill.
Nowadays it's home to a museum that displays a fascinating collection of artistic ...
From the 14th to the 18th centuries, this squat, round house in the corner of Old Town was the site of a horse-powered mill.
Nowadays it's home to a museum that displays a fascinating collection of artistic stonemasonry from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. A model showing how the mill worked during the middle-ages is also on exhibit.
Built in the 14th Century, the Holy Spirit Church is one of the oldest and most impressive structures in Tallinn. Its spectacular, carved wood interior includes such treasures as a unique 15th century ...
Built in the 14th Century, the Holy Spirit Church is one of the oldest and most impressive structures in Tallinn. Its spectacular, carved wood interior includes such treasures as a unique 15th century altar by the famous Bernt Notke, and one of the oldest pulpits in Estonia, dating from 1597. The painted clock on its façade is the oldest public timekeeper in Tallinn (17th-century). Closed during church services.
The House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is nearly the only preserved Renaissance building in Tallinn.
The Brotherhood of Blackheads emerged in 1399. The Brotherhood united the young, single merchants ...
The House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is nearly the only preserved Renaissance building in Tallinn.
The Brotherhood of Blackheads emerged in 1399. The Brotherhood united the young, single merchants before they could be accepted into the Great Guild, as well as foreign merchants who were residing in Tallinn for longer periods but not permanently.
The name of the Brotherhood is associated with their patron, the black St. Mauritius, an early Christian martyr who died in Switzerland around 280-300 A.D. His head is the mascot on the Brotherhood's coat of arms. The Brotherhood was active only in Estonia and Latvia, unknown in the rest of Europe. Members of the Brotherhood left Tallinn in the 1940s.
The site of the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads probably had a residential building on it from the 14th century. In the first half of the 16th century, the Blackheads bought it and built a new hall with an archless ceiling.
The next serious rebuilding took place in 1597, when the facade was redesigned in the Dutch Renaissance architectural spirit, with a profusion of ornaments and carved decorations. One of Tallinn's most eye-catching doors, on the front of this building, dates to 1640.
The two-naved and vaulted guild hall, bought from the Olav Guild, dates to the 15th century. The next renovation took place in 1908, but this time it only affected the interiors, which were given a neo-classical appearance.
Open: 10-19 Closed during concerts and other events
A trip to Tallinn isn’t a trip to Tallinn without a visit to this magnificent northern baroque palace, built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine I, in the early 18th century. The grandiose palace ...
A trip to Tallinn isn’t a trip to Tallinn without a visit to this magnificent northern baroque palace, built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine I, in the early 18th century. The grandiose palace and surrounding manicured gardens are a humbling example of Tsarist extravagance, but just as important a reason to come is that this is also home to the foreign art collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.
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.
One of the most popular places in the park is the ...
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.
One of the most popular places in the park is the symmetrical Swan Lake and its surroundings. Originally, the park included a dignified formal Italian-French garden on the other side of the Swan Lake from the road.
Only a small part of the large park was designed as a formal park in its time. Most of it was intended to preserve the look of the natural landscape, with meadows and forest groves, traversed by paths.
In 1722 alone, soldiers planted 550 trees in the park. In the interest of the rapid development of the park, fully grown trees were successfully replanted here. Some of the trees, especially the horse chestnuts, were supposed to be replanted in gardens in St. Petersburg later, but after the death of Peter I, this was forgotten, and the horse chestnuts stayed in Kadriorg.
Lining the promenade leading from the Swan Lake to the palace (Weizenbergi Street) are many of the palace's auxiliary buildings. The restoration workshop of the Estonian Art Museum is currently located in the palace's guesthouse and the park pavilion next door. Opposite the palace gates is a small guard house, followed by the palace's kitchen building and ice cellar.
Johannes Mikkel's art collection museum now makes its home in the restored kitchen building.
This massive, medieval defense tower on the slopes of Toompea hill was oddly dubbed Kiek in de Kök (literally, “peep into the kitchen”) because from here the soldiers could peer into the kitchens of the ...
This massive, medieval defense tower on the slopes of Toompea hill was oddly dubbed Kiek in de Kök (literally, “peep into the kitchen”) because from here the soldiers could peer into the kitchens of the houses below. The tower now appropriately houses a museum that tracks the development of the town and its military history from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Lower floors are used for temporary photographic art exhibitions.
Maiden Tower was used in the Middle Ages as a prison for prostitutes.
The "Maiden Tower" was built in the second half of the 14th century, together with the city wall. It has suffered under attacks many ...
Maiden Tower was used in the Middle Ages as a prison for prostitutes.
The "Maiden Tower" was built in the second half of the 14th century, together with the city wall. It has suffered under attacks many times through its history, and has been rebuilt several times.
This impressive 13th-century church houses a museum dedicated to church art, displaying medieval burial stones, exquisite altarpieces and Tallinn’s most famous painting, 15th-century artist Bernt Notke’s ...
This impressive 13th-century church houses a museum dedicated to church art, displaying medieval burial stones, exquisite altarpieces and Tallinn’s most famous painting, 15th-century artist Bernt Notke’s eerie composition, Danse Macabre (Dance with Death). The museum’s Silver Chamber exhibits ceremonial items from Tallinn’s pivotal medieval craft and merchant guilds.
The 13th-century St. Olav’s Church once boasted the tallest spire in the whole world. Nowadays the 124-metre steeple still dwarfs most of Tallinn’s buildings and remains an important symbol of the town. ...
The 13th-century St. Olav’s Church once boasted the tallest spire in the whole world. Nowadays the 124-metre steeple still dwarfs most of Tallinn’s buildings and remains an important symbol of the town. After a vigorous climb (only April-October) to the top of the stone portion of the tower, visitors are rewarded with a magnificent and dizzying view of all of Old Town, Toompea hill and the port.
Oleviste Guild united craftsmen from simpler fields: tanners, butchers, carpenters, boatmakers, watchmakers, and gravediggers, who were, by and large, Estonians. At the end of the 17th century, the Guild ...
Oleviste Guild united craftsmen from simpler fields: tanners, butchers, carpenters, boatmakers, watchmakers, and gravediggers, who were, by and large, Estonians. At the end of the 17th century, the Guild was merged with the Kanut Guild.
The Oleviste Guild owned its own house as a gathering place as early as the 14th century, but in the 15th century the buildings were rebuilt. Today, the two-naved, vaulted guild hall has been preserved, with six star vaults.
The Brotherhood of Blackheads bought the guild hall in 1919. The facade of the building, which has been rebuilt numerous times, has not preserved its medieval look, but is instead bears an Art Nouveau-inspired appearance.
The numerous and mysterious passages in Tallinn’s fortifications were built along with the bastions in the 17th and 18th centuries. The passages were probably commenced already in the 1630s.
The aim ...
The numerous and mysterious passages in Tallinn’s fortifications were built along with the bastions in the 17th and 18th centuries. The passages were probably commenced already in the 1630s. The aim of the passages was to conceal the movement of soldiers, ammunition and other equipment. The passages also played a role in espionage – to observe the enemy’s underground mining work. During the 18th Century, the passages started to be used partly as storerooms. The fortifications were excluded from the list of military objects in 1857 and parks were then established where the Ingrian and Swedish bastions had been. Later, the passages were used as air-raid shelters as well as the sculpture storage for the Estonian Art Foundation. The passages may be visited only with a guide. The group meets in the Tower Kiek in de Kök. Kindly book the tour beforehand. Groups (max. 30 people) may book an additional guided tour.
What better way to keep the kids happy than to take them for a day at Estonia's largest amusement park? 18 different rides are available, and there are over 100 video and carnival games to keep the whole ...
What better way to keep the kids happy than to take them for a day at Estonia's largest amusement park? 18 different rides are available, and there are over 100 video and carnival games to keep the whole family entertained. Show programs are performed daily in the main tent.
Just across the Pirita River from Tallinn lie the majestic ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent. The largest convent in Old Livonia, St.Bridget’s was founded in 1407 as part of a Swedish religious order and ...
Just across the Pirita River from Tallinn lie the majestic ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent. The largest convent in Old Livonia, St.Bridget’s was founded in 1407 as part of a Swedish religious order and functioned until its destruction by Ivan the Terrible’s forces in 1577. What remains are the massive Gothic façade and walls of the main building, foundations, cellars and a cemetery.
Open: 1.01-31.03 and 1.11-31.12 Mon-Sun 12-16;
1.04-31.05 and 1.09-31.10 Mon-Sun 10.00-18.00;
1.06-31.08 Mon-Sun 9-19
St. Catherine's Passage is a landmark combining master craftsmen's workshops with a medieval atmosphere.
St. Catherine's Passage (Katariina käik) connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. You can see the ...
St. Catherine's Passage is a landmark combining master craftsmen's workshops with a medieval atmosphere.
St. Catherine's Passage (Katariina käik) connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. You can see the remaining portions of St. Catherine's Church in the northern part of the passage. Residential buildings from the 15th to the 17th centuries stand along the sides of the southern section of the Passage.
The Passage was rediscovered and given new life in the summer of 1995, but is still imbued with a medieval milieu.
The open studios of artisans are now located here, and visitors can watch artists and craftsmen practise their craft daily. While each studio is unique in appearance and function, they are all united in the principle of the open studio: here one can view works not only as finished products, as in an ordinary gallery, but also as the end product of various processes that the open studio presents to the visitor.
For a vivid example of the history of altruism and charity in Tallinn, visit St. John the Baptist’s almshouse Museum, the newest branch of the Tallinn City Museum. The Almshouse was active from 1237 until ...
For a vivid example of the history of altruism and charity in Tallinn, visit St. John the Baptist’s almshouse Museum, the newest branch of the Tallinn City Museum. The Almshouse was active from 1237 until the late-1960s, and now a pavilion has been set up over its ruins. Here archaeological findings, texts and multimedia programs show the history of the Almshouse as well as that of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Located on the banks of the Pirita River, the extensive Tallinn Botanical Garden is a plant-lover’s paradise. Its greenhouses display 2,400 species, everything from bananas to decorative house plants, ...
Located on the banks of the Pirita River, the extensive Tallinn Botanical Garden is a plant-lover’s paradise. Its greenhouses display 2,400 species, everything from bananas to decorative house plants, with frequent temporary exhibitions ensuring that repeat visitors will always see something new. Even those unfamiliar with botany can enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful gardens here in the Pirita Valley on a fine spring or summer day.
The Tallinn Song Grounds, built in 1959, host a multitude of popular events through the year. The Song Grounds are famous primarily as the location of the massive national Song Festival, which takes place ...
The Tallinn Song Grounds, built in 1959, host a multitude of popular events through the year. The Song Grounds are famous primarily as the location of the massive national Song Festival, which takes place every five years, drawing together 25,000 singers and 100,000 spectators. The Song Grounds Light Tower is open for anyone who wants to climb up 42 meters to a magnificent view over Tallinn and the bay.
Tigers, wolves, elephants, owls and about 350 other kinds of creatures can be found at the Tallinn Zoo, which boasts one of the largest collections in this part of Europe. The extensive grounds include ...
Tigers, wolves, elephants, owls and about 350 other kinds of creatures can be found at the Tallinn Zoo, which boasts one of the largest collections in this part of Europe. The extensive grounds include various habitats, a number of aquariums and an elephant house. Entrance with TC only from the Paldiski mnt 145 gate.
Closed from November 26th 2007.
Opened in 1980, this 314m tower is an impressive example of Soviet engineering. At the base of the tower, some bullet holes remain visible, dating from an attempted Soviet ...
Closed from November 26th 2007.
Opened in 1980, this 314m tower is an impressive example of Soviet engineering. At the base of the tower, some bullet holes remain visible, dating from an attempted Soviet takeover in 1991. A handful of radio operators were ready to lose their lives in 1991 to protect the free media of the reborn Republic of Estonia. They placed a matchbox between the elevator door and frame in such a manner that the elevator wouldn’t work, thereby forcing the Soviet troops to climb every one of a thousand steps up into the tower. The operators also had the oxygen-removing fire-fighting system at their disposal. This story is well-known and held in reverence in Estonia.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin is the main Lutheran church in Estonia and one of three functioning medieval churches.
The present appearance of the Cathedral is the result of much rebuilding. ...
The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin is the main Lutheran church in Estonia and one of three functioning medieval churches.
The present appearance of the Cathedral is the result of much rebuilding. The original temporary wooden church is thought to have been built on Toompea Hill in 1219, and was first mentioned in 1233. The stone church was begun ten years later. The spire dates to the baroque period, and several chapels, from even later periods.
Notable items in the church's interior include numerous gravestones from the 13th to the 18th centuries and numerous nobles' shield epitaphs from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Among the famous people buried in the church are the well-known captain Pontus de la Gardie and his wife, Sophia Gyllenhelm, daughter of Swedish king Johann III; admiral Samuel Greigh, Catherine the Great's lover; and the Russian admiral Adam Johann von Krusenstern, who led the expedition around the world.
If you take three steps from the main entrance of the Cathedral toward the southern nave, you will find a large stone slab which reads, "Otto Johann Thuve, landlord of Edise, Vääna and Koonu Ehis grave, 1696 A.D." The Estonian Thuve was an especially merry and licentious sort, who adored raucous parties with wine, women and song. As he lay dying, however, he was overcome with a sudden sense of contrition. He asked to be buried at the threshold of the Cathedral so that the godfearing people, who kneel to pray upon entering the church, might eventually save his soul from his sinful ways.
Open: Tue- Sun 9.00-17.00 Services: Sun 10, every 3rd Sunday services in Latvian. Organ concerts: Sat 12
During the war Estonia was the first state to be declared "Judenfrei," and the synagogue was bombed. After the war, some native Jews returned to Tallinn, joined by many Russian Jews. Attempts were made ...
During the war Estonia was the first state to be declared "Judenfrei," and the synagogue was bombed. After the war, some native Jews returned to Tallinn, joined by many Russian Jews. Attempts were made to organize prayers, but the Soviet regime outlawed any open observance of Judaism. Lacking a rabbi, the Jews gathered for prayers in temporary places, until the Christians provided them with a building which served as a synagogue until 2000.
Following the 1990 revolution, Jews re-established “the Jewish religious community in Estonia,” and opened a cultural center. A Jewish school was opened, sponsored by the government and assisted by the Israeli Ministry of Education.
With the assistance of the JDC, an old building was renovated for use as a synagogue, and in October 2000, following the appointment of Rabbi Shmuel Kot as the chief rabbi of Estonia, the synagogue was opened in a festive ceremony in the presence of the prime minister and Israeli chief rabbi. Renewed activities are now taking place in the Jewish community.
In addition to hosting religious services and Jewish holiday celebrations with its 200-seat main hall, the Synagogue oversees the preparation and distribution of kosher food, as well as hosting a Mikvah, and a Jewish museum.
Open: Mon-Thu 10-18
Fri (in winter) 10-14
Fri (in summer) 10-17
Toompea Castle Lossi plats 1 Map Phone: +372 6316 537 · Fax: +372 6316 547
Toompea Castle is one of Estonia's oldest and grandest architectural groupings.
Built in the 13th to the 14th centuries, the castle is situated on the steep limestone coast, 50 meters above sea level. ...
Toompea Castle is one of Estonia's oldest and grandest architectural groupings.
Built in the 13th to the 14th centuries, the castle is situated on the steep limestone coast, 50 meters above sea level. It is one of the most potent symbols of reigning power, conquered over the centuries by various nations. Today, the Estonian Parliament is housed here.
Tall Hermann was built in the southwestern corner of Toompea Fortress at the end of the 14th century. The name of the tower comes from the German phrase "Lange Hermann" meaning "tall soldier" or "chief" and comes from the tales of the adored medieval hero Hermann. This sort of name was usually given to the most powerful towers in a fortress.
The Estonian flag waves at the top of the 48-meter-high tower.
Through the centuries, the centrepiece of Old Town has always been the Raekoda (Town Hall), which in its present form dates back to 1404. The Town Hall's beautiful main floors and attic will be open to ...
Through the centuries, the centrepiece of Old Town has always been the Raekoda (Town Hall), which in its present form dates back to 1404. The Town Hall's beautiful main floors and attic will be open to visitors in July and August. The Town Hall's cellar hosts an exhibition covering the building's history and one of the town's symbols, the Vana Toomas (Old Thomas) weather vane.
Open: Cellar Hall 2.05-3.10 Tue-Sat 10-16; 1-21.12 Wed-Sun 11-17, 2.-11.01 Wed-Sun 11-17
Town Hall 1.07-31.08 Mon-Sat 10-16
Right on Town Hall Square sits the oldest continually functioning apothecary in the world! In business since at least 1422, the Town Hall Pharmacy houses a display of 17th- to 20th-century remedies. Today, ...
Right on Town Hall Square sits the oldest continually functioning apothecary in the world! In business since at least 1422, the Town Hall Pharmacy houses a display of 17th- to 20th-century remedies. Today, bat powder and snakeskin potion are no longer on sale, but you can still try the sweet marzipan, a tasty curative rumoured to have been invented here in the 15th century.
The Town Hall Square has been a marketplace, fairground and meeting place for centuries.
The square in front of the Town Hall functioned as a marketplace even before the Town Hall itself was built. The ...
The Town Hall Square has been a marketplace, fairground and meeting place for centuries.
The square in front of the Town Hall functioned as a marketplace even before the Town Hall itself was built. The square was used for celebrations, but also for executions.
Today, the square is a social focus of the city, filled with outdoor cafés in the summer, as well as open-air concerts, handicraft fairs and medieval markets. In the winter, the crowds are enchanted by the Christmas tree, put up for a month or more (a tradition whose roots stretch back to 1441) and the Christmas Market, where people go to buy Christmas presents and catch the Christmas spirit.
The Town Hall Square has also become the traditional centre of the Old Town Days, a modern version of a medieval carnival. Traditions from the Middle Ages are kept alive here, including parades, a knights' tournament, a parrot-shooting contest, and the election of the May Count. The streets and courtyards of the Old Town are filled with music, dance, theatre performances, exhibits and fairs.
With nearly 2km of its original city wall still standing, Tallinn boasts one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortifications. The portion of the wall that’s open to the public is the one that connects ...
With nearly 2km of its original city wall still standing, Tallinn boasts one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortifications. The portion of the wall that’s open to the public is the one that connects Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala towers. Visitors can climb up and imagine what it felt like to guard the town against would-be invaders, but the wall is even more popular for its picturesque view of the red-tiled roofs of Old Town.
The Viru Gates were built in the 14th century, but the towers that now remain are only part of what was originally here.
The Viru Gates are in the eastern section of the city wall. The main tower of ...
The Viru Gates were built in the 14th century, but the towers that now remain are only part of what was originally here.
The Viru Gates are in the eastern section of the city wall. The main tower of the gates was originally built in the years 1345-1355. Today, Viru gate is one of the main entryways in the Town Wall, leading into the Old Town to Viru Street, a main shopping and dining street of the Old Town.
