One can step back in time as you explore the winding cobblestone streets, medieval towers and old city walls of Tallinn – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Tower of St. Olaf’s Church (on the right) dominates the skyline. Hard to believe – but in the late 1500’s this was the tallest building in the world!! The 19th century Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevski Cathedral, with its onion domes, is another skyline highlight.

A wonderful view of Lower Town Old Town Tallinn

The entry to Old Town is guarded by Fat Margaret Tower just as it was in Medieval times. Besides being a defensive outpost, the tower was made big just to impress anyone coming to town from the harbor. The relief above the gate dates from the 16th century.

Come on in!

Impressive walls protecting the city! Some of the original 46 towers.

This Old Town is full of beautifully carved, fanciful facades, many dating from the 1400-1500’s – –

Built in 1440, this was used as a German merchants’ club.

Church of the Holy Ghost is a wonderful little medieval church sporting an outdoor clock from 1633. The interior is quite simple – especially when compared to what we saw in St. Petersburg!!

Such a simple ‘pulpit’ without all the gold.

The Town Hall Square was fabulous! It, of course, served as a marketplace through the centuries and is the focal point of the Old Town. Once, it held criminals chained to pillories for public humiliation or knights showing off in chivalrous tournaments. Today the square is full of cafes and provided a wonderful spot for us to have lunch and watch the world go by;-)

The Town Hall opened in 1404 so the city’s burgomasters would have a suitable place to meet. It dominates the square.

Town Hall.

Uh Oh – A well known ‘criminal’ chained for public humiliation!!!

The Upper Town is dominated by Toompea Castle and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The pink Toompea Castle is an 18th century Russian addition to the medieval Castle. Today, it is the Estonian Parliament building. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral – which faces Parliament across the square – was built in 1900.

Estonian Parliament

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Another wonderful church in the Upper Town is St. Mary’s Church – known as the Dome Church. It is an example of simple Northern European Gothic built in the 13th century during Danish rule. One can climb the 140 steps up the tower for fabulous views of the Upper and Lower Towns.

Yes – we climbed all 140 TINY steps to the top of the Tower!!

The sights and sounds of this little, old Medieval town were wonderful – –

Tallinn was a bright spot in our itinerary. Loved the day here.

E & G smiling;-)