Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia
20.07.2016
The Old Town of Tallinn - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Tallinn, located in the capital city of Tallinn in Estonia, is a well-preserved medieval city that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The Old Town is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its architectural beauty.
The history of the Old Town can be traced back to the 13th century, when it was first established by German crusaders. Throughout the centuries, the Old Town has been ruled by different empires, including the Danish, Swedish, and Russian empires. This has influenced the city's architecture, culture, and traditions, making it a unique and diverse destination.
One of the most iconic landmarks in the Old Town is the Tallinn Town Hall, which was built in the early 15th century. This Gothic-style building served as the administrative center of the city and is now used for official ceremonies and events. Another must-see attraction is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built in the 19th century during the Russian rule.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, visitors can admire the well-preserved medieval architecture of the buildings, including the city walls and towers that were built to protect the city. The Old Town is also home to many museums, galleries, and churches that showcase the city's history and culture.
Today, the Old Town of Tallinn is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a lively and vibrant part of the city. The streets are lined with charming cafés, restaurants, and shops, making it a perfect place to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy the delicious Estonian cuisine.
Visiting the Old Town of Tallinn is like stepping back in time and experiencing the city's rich history and culture. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Estonia.
Weiterführende Links:
- Tallinn - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallinn
- Tallinn Town Hall - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallinn_Town_Hall
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral,_Tallinn
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.
