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HotelsEstonia.net :: TALLINN :: Capital of Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of
Estonia, is located in Northern Europe in the north-eastern part of the
Baltic Sea region. Area of Tallinn - 159,2 km˛ (Estonia 45 227 km˛).
Tallinn - Old Town With Old Town Charm
Tallinn's old town belonging to UNESCO's
World Heritage List, is a magnnificent blend of medieavel streetscape
and modern convenience, with cafes, restaurants, shops and street fairs.
All easily accessible inside the impressive city walls. Coubblestones,
courtyards and craftsmen. Experience the Middle Ages with a stroll
through coubblestoned streets of the Old Town, peeking into side alleys,
inner courtyards and artisans` workshops. Tradition – bound, alive and
alluring. Traditions like the Oled Town Days and medeavel markets keep
the Hanseathic spirit alive in enchanting venues. Tallinners have always
enjoyed a hearty meal. Today you can taste a mixture of medieavel
atmosphere and modern cuisine. The highly prized value of true craft.
The skills of craftsmen have been passed down for centuries. Search for
your favorite among workshops, handicraft shops and markets.
Town Hall Square - In Old Town
The square in front of Tallinn's Town Hall
functioned as a marketplace for centuries, dating back to times even
before the Town Hall itself was built. Through the years this served as
a place of celebrations as well as executions. Today the square remains
a cultural focal point for the city. In summer, it's filled with outdoor
cafés and is home to countless open-air concerts, handicraft fairs and
medieval markets. In winter, an annual Christmas Market enchants the
crowds on the square, as does the town’s Christmas tree (a tradition
whose roots stretch back to 1441), which stays up for a month or more.
Town Hall Square has also become the traditional centre of the Old Town
Days festival, a modern version of a medieval carnival. Traditions from
the Middle Ages are kept alive here, including parades, a knights’
tournament, a parrotshooting contest and the election of the May Count.
Fat Margareta - In Old Town
The Great Coastal Gate and Fat Margaret's
Tower 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. Closed on public holidays.
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