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Tallinn Old Town

Tallinn old town is a beautiful legacy of the rich medieval history of estonia..

04 Jan 2023

About Tallinn Old Town

The medieval old town of Tallinn is Estonia ‘s greatest historical landmark, drawing millions of tourists each year to the small Northern European country. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

History of Tallinn Old Town

The Northern Crusades of the 13th century brought the Baltic territories closer to Europe than ever before. The Christianisation process and influx of German and Scandinavian landowners made the Estonian lands a truly interconnected part of the continent. Tallinn was greatly impacted by that change. Prior to the Danish conquest of the region, there seemed to have been a castle or small settlement where Toompea hill stands today. Henry of Livonia, a chronicler who followed the Teutonic crusaders to the Baltic shores, called the town Lindanisa,  while the Icelandic Njáls saga mentioned a place named Rafala .

Following the crusades and the start of the Danish period, the first stone fortifications were built, with Tallinn growing to be the most important city of the Finnish Gulf. Called Reval by its German population, the name Tallinn came from Estonian and originally meant ‘Danish castle’. In 1285, the city became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League, growing rich thanks to the trade routes between the rest of Europe to the west and Novgorod and Muscovy in the east. Almost 60 years later, the Northern Estonian territories were sold to the Teutonic Knights, with Tallinn becoming part of their realm.

The early modern period would see great change, with Lutheranism taking hold and the Livonian War (1558 – 1583) ravaging the countryside. In 1561 Tallinn, while facing the threat of Muscovite forces, decided to become a dominion of Sweden . Sometimes referred to as ‘the good old Swedish times’, the period under Stockholm would last for almost 140 years.

The Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) saw Russia take permanent control over the Baltic lands for the first time, while giving a great deal of autonomy to the Baltic German nobility and cities. Tallinn grew further in importance in the late 19th century, becoming a great industrial and shipping hub. This period also saw the city expand far beyond the medieval city walls .

Tallinn Old Town today

The Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, with many of the buildings and fortifications surviving from the high medieval era. The Tallinn city walls are especially impressive, with 26 watchtowers looking down on the surroundings. Walking on the narrow cobblestone streets can make you feel as if you were in a fairytale, with one church after another breaking up the skyline.

One of the most impressive sights is St. Olaf’s Church, which is the tallest religious building in Northern Europe, towering at almost 400 feet (roughly 120 metres) into the sky. The old Rathaus should also not be forgotten, especially during December, when the annual Tallinn Christmas market is being held in the eponymous square next door.

On Toompea hill one can find the Estonian parliament and the Pikk Herman tower, which has become a symbol of the country’s independence. Close by there are two viewing platforms which provide stunning views over most of the medieval old town.

Getting to Tallinn Old Town

Located in the heart of the city, the Old Town can be accessed through multiple medieval gates on all directions. Tallinn has great public transport, making it incredibly easy to reach the Old Town from the ferry terminal, train station, airport and main bus station. The best way to experience the Old Town is by strolling through the historic streets by foot.

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Unesco social media, historic centre (old town) of tallinn.

• Description

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.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Centre historique (vieille ville) de Tallinn

Les origines de Tallinn remontent au XIII e siècle, lorsqu'un château fut édifié par les croisés de l'ordre Teutonique. La cité s'est développée pour devenir un poste clé de la Ligue hanséatique et sa prospérité s'est traduite par l'opulence des édifices publics (en particulier ses églises) et l'architecture domestique des maisons de marchands, remarquablement bien préservées malgré les ravages des incendies et des guerres au cours des siècles.

وسط مدينة تالين التاريخي (المدينة القديمة)

ترقى مدينة تالين إلى القرن الثالث عشر عندما شيّدت فرقة من الصليبيين قلعة حصينة هناك. ونمت المدينة وتطوّرت لتصبح شعلة العصبة التحالفيّة وترجم ازدهارها من خلال غنى المباني العامة (خصوصاً الكنائس) والهندسة المحليّة لمنازل التجّار والتي جرت المحافظة عليها أبلغ محافظة على الرغم من الحرائق والحروب التي اندلعت على مرّ القرون.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

塔林的起源可追溯到13世纪，当时的条顿骑士团的十字军骑士们在这里建造了一个城堡， 后来，这里又发展成为汉斯同盟(Hanseatic League)的主要中心。在后来的几个世纪，这里屡遭战火，但许多建筑还是较为完好地保留了下来，公共建筑（特别是教堂）之豪华以及商店内部装璜之考究充分展示了当时这里的繁荣和富裕。

Centro histórico (ciudad vieja) de Tallin

Los orígenes de Tallin se remontan al siglo XIII, con la edificación de un castillo por los caballeros cruzados de la Orden Teutónica. Luego, la ciudad se fue desarrollando hasta convertirse en uno de los principales centros de la Liga Hanseática. Su prosperidad de esa época se patentizó en la opulencia de sus edificios públicos –en particular las iglesias– y la arquitectura de las mansiones de los mercaderes, muy bien conservadas a pesar de los estragos causados por los incendios y las guerras a lo largo de los siglos.

タリン歴史地区（旧市街）

source: NFUAJ

Historisch centrum (oude stad) van Tallinn

De oorsprong van Tallinn gaat terug tot de 13e eeuw, toen er een kasteel werd gebouwd door ridders van de Duitse Orde die op kruistocht waren. Het historische centrum van Tallinn is uitzonderlijk compleet en goed bewaard gebleven en een mooi voorbeeld van een middeleeuwse Noord-Europese handelsstad aan de kust van de Baltische Zee. De stad ontwikkelde zich als een belangrijk centrum van de Hanze tijdens de meest actieve periode van deze grote handelsorganisatie in de 13e tot de 16e eeuw. De rijkdom van Talinn uit zich in de weelderigheid van de openbare gebouwen (de kerken in het bijzonder) en de architectuur van de koopmanshuizen.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

The Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn is an exceptionally complete and well-preserved medieval northern European trading city on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The city developed as a significant centre of the Hanseatic League during the major period of activity of this great trading organization in the 13th-16th centuries.

The combination of the upper town on the high limestone hill and the lower town at its foot with many church spires forms an expressive skyline that is visible from a great distance both from land and sea.

The upper town (Toompea) with the castle and the cathedral has always been the administrative centre of the country, whereas the lower town preserves to a remarkable extent the medieval urban fabric of narrow winding streets, many of which retain their medieval names, and fine public and burgher buildings, including town wall, Town Hall, pharmacy, churches, monasteries, merchants’ and craftsmen’ guilds, and the domestic architecture of the merchants' houses, which have survived to a remarkable degree. The distribution of building plots survives virtually intact from the 13th-14th centuries.

The Outstanding Universal Value of the Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn is demonstrated in its existence as an outstanding, exceptionally complete and well preserved example of a medieval northern European trading city that retains the salient features of this unique form of economic and social community to a remarkable degree.

Criterion (ii): The Historic Centre of Tallinn, among the most remote and powerful outposts of the colonizing activities of the Hanseatic League in the north-eastern part of Europe in the 13th-16th centuries, provided a crucible within which an international secular-ecclesiastical culture resulting from the interchange of Cistercians, Dominicans, the Teutonic Order and the traditions of the Hanseatic League, formed and was itself exported throughout northern Europe.

Criterion (iv): The town plan and the buildings within it constitute a remarkable reflection of the coexistence of the seat of feudal overlords and a Hanseatic trading centre within the shelter of a common system of walls and fortifications.

The boundaries of the inscribed World Heritage property and its buffer zone were modified in 2008 in order to bring the boundaries of the inscribed property in conformity with the boundaries of the Tallinn Old Town Conservation Area, recognized as a national monument in Estonia. The historic centre of Tallinn World Heritage property (thus increased from 60 ha. to 113 ha.) now encompasses the upper town (Toompea), the lower town inside the medieval walls, as well as the 17th century historic fortifications surrounding the entire Old Town, and a range of primarily 19th century structures, streetscapes and views, which today form a green area around the medieval city. This modification has ensured inclusion of all primary elements contributing to the outstanding universal value of the property, and strongly enhanced its completeness and integrity. 

The buffer zone, increased from 370 ha to 2253 ha, also in 2008, now protects the immediate setting of the inscribed property in a much more complete fashion. Extended to the sea to include views from Viimsi and Kopli peninsulas, the buffer zone now includes 9 view sectors and 5 view corridors.

To date, Tallinn has maintained its characteristic skyline visible from both the sea and the land. The characteristic skyline however could be vulnerable because of planned high rise development outside the buffer zone.

Authenticity

The site preserves to a remarkable extent the medieval urban structure of building plots, streets and squares, set out in the 13th century, as well as medieval urban fabric. The radial street network is well endowed with buildings from the 14th-16th centuries. The town defences have been preserved over large sections at their original length and height, rising to over 15m in places.

In addition to architectural continuity, Old Town has retained its traditional use as a living city, hosting domestic, commercial and religious functions, and retaining the upper town as the administrative centre of the country. Nevertheless increasingly historic residential buildings are being refurbished for touristic or public use and thus subject to increased life safety and accessibility requirements.

The authentic setting of the inscribed World Heritage property includes some significant architecture from the late 19th century and early 20th century including theatres and schools as well as a number of exceptional wooden suburbs which form an integral part of the historic, urban fabric round Tallinn Old Town.

Until recently the survival of the wooden quarters was threatened by unclear ownership in the years following independence and in a general indifference to the qualities they offered residents. This latter could be seen in a lack of maintenance, and inappropriate upgrading and repair approaches. Today however the situation is turned around and these wooden areas are much valued, and adequate measures are in place to maintain their authenticity. 

Protection and management requirements

The Tallinn Old Town conservation area established in 1966 by regulation Nr 360 of the Council of Ministers of the Estonian Socialist Soviet Republic (ESSR), and confirmed in 1996 by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia, was the first conservation area established in the former USSR. It was intended to sustain the well-preserved physical substance and integrity of the entire property.

Several contemporary legislative and local government documents also complement the protection of the values of Tallinn Old Town and regulate its administration. These include the Statutes of the Heritage Conservation Area of Tallinn Old Town (Historic Centre) based upon the Heritage Conservation Act of 2002 (amended in 2011). These Statutes, fully applicable to the inscribed property following increase of the boundaries of the property in 2008 and its buffer zone, are focused on managing preservation, conservation, planning and building activities within the area and related supporting administrative arrangements. More specifically, the Statutes provide for maintaining the historic plot structure, building volume and density, historic structures and details of the World Heritage property.

The revised Heritage Conservation Act ensures that research and design permits and activity licensing provisions apply to all structures within the World Heritage property, not just listed monuments. These ensure that all necessary historical and archaeological research is conducted before any building activity is carried out in the inscribed property.

Responsibility for implementation of these regulations and statutes is shared between the National Heritage Board and the Tallinn City Government. Overall supervision is conducted by the National Heritage Board (state level), while the Tallinn Cultural Heritage Department (municipal level) is in charge of direct implementation of the statutes. Experts of the Heritage Conservation Advisory Panel provide consultation on specific questions and issues. Decisions concerning planning and building within the World Heritage property are made by consensus of the National Heritage Board and Tallinn City Government.

The Tallinn Old Town Management Committee has been established in 2010 to strengthen cooperation and co-ordination among responsible organizations, NGOs, local community and other stakeholders.It is also responsible for approving, enhancing and monitoring implementation of the comprehensive management plan of the property (scheduled to be finalized by December 2011). The latter plan will replace the “Development Plan of Tallinn Old Town” 2008-2013, enacted on 28 August 2008, and give prominence to protecting the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

Existing management provisions are aided by municipal initiatives (appointment of a full time archaeologist the Cultural Heritage Department in 2010, to increase provisions for archaeological monitoring where new work is envisioned) and guidance obtained from important public forums (e.g., the May 2002 conference “Alternatives to Historical Reconstruction in UNESCO World Heritage Cities” whose concluding resolution provides a number of key principles guiding future development within the inscribed property).

Future management strategies should support efforts to strengthen provisions for sustaining authenticity and integrity. Management strategies must attempt to balance residential use with other private/public uses which may threaten the authenticity of the affected structures.The threat to integrity from high rise development outside of the buffer zone is partly addressed in the thematic plan “Framework for high-rise buildings in Tallinn” (adopted by Tallinn City Council in 2008), which contributes to the protection of the skyline, and associated view sectors and view corridors. However effective use of the Thematic Plan to fully preserve the visual integrity of the World Heritage property requires efforts to strengthen consensus among all concerned stakeholders about effective means for in situ implementation of the Plan in all identified view sectors.

• Tourism in Tallinn (in English, Estonian, and Russian)
• Digital Tallinn - city guide of the Capital of Estonia

State of Conservation (SOC)

Tallinn history tour

Tallinn is Estonia 's capital and largest city, with a legacy from the Viking Age , the Hanseatic League , the Danish Empire , the Swedish Empire , the Russian Empire , the Soviet Union and independence achieved in 1991.

See [ edit ]

• 59.44056 24.74761 3 Ex-KGB Headquarters , Pikk 61 . Now the Interior Ministry and not generally open to the public, this is where the KGB detained and tortured suspected dissidents. A Soviet-era joke says that this was the tallest building in Estonia: even from the basement, you could see Siberia. Interrogations were indeed conducted in the basement and you can see even today how the windows were crudely bricked up with concrete to mute the sound.  
• 59.43829 24.74564 4 Estonian History Museum ( Great Guild ), Pikk 17 . The History Museum's main location is the medieval Great Guild Hall. Here, the permanent exhibition takes you through 11,000 years of Estonian history by means ranging from striking exhibits of artifacts to interactive "time capsules". Topics covered include a surprisingly wide range, from coinage and wine to the history of the Great Guild building itself. On top of that, there are always some temporary exhibitions which usually serve as a link with present-day Estonia and Tallinn.  
• 59.43924 24.74227 6 City Wall . A section of the City Wall can be climbed from the corner of Suur-Kloostri and Väike-Kloostri, with entry into three towers possible. Quite frankly, the views from up on Toompea are better, and the spiral staircases are steep and somewhat claustrophobic.  

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• Tenet tour , for the sets of the 2020 film Tenet .

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Tallinn

Tallinn is a hidden gem of Europe so make sure to visit before it gets overcrowded by tourists. There are plenty of wonderful attractions to choose from so everyone from history buffs to sports lovers and artists can find something to fall in love with in the Estonian capital.

The russalka memorial.

The Russalka Memorial is one of the most iconic places in Tallinn. This monument was built in 1902 by Amandus Adamson to honor the people who died in 1893 when Russian warship Rusalka (Mermaid) sank on its way to Finland.

Freedom Square

Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Europe. If you want to relax surrounded by nature, you should look no further than here.

Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the world in one place. It is the biggest zoo in Estonia, housing more than 13,000 animals, and is perfect for all ages.

Town Hall Square

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square was always the most important part of Tallinn as it has served as a marketplace since the 11th-century. If you are a sucker for Christmas, you must visit the Christmas market which starts late in November.

Toompea Hill

Toompea Hill is the ultimate spot in Tallinn to take amazing photos and enjoy wonderful views of Tallinn Old Town. It is probably the most popular place among tourists, so make sure to add it to your list as well.

Oleviste Church

Oleviste Church was built in 1250 and was the tallest building in Europe during the Middle Ages. You must visit if you want to see a true architectural masterpiece. Also, you can go inside of the church as it is still actively used for masses and other ceremonies.

Tallinn Old Town

Your trip to Tallinn is not complete until you walk around cobblestone streets of Tallinn Old Town and enjoy the beautiful buildings which were mostly built in the 14th-15th centuries. Also, some of the best restaurants and cafes are located in Tallinn Old Town, so make sure to find a minute to relax and try traditional Estonian dishes .

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is a marine museum in Tallinn, featuring many old exhibits, including a submarine from the 1930s, two cinemas, and seaplane Short Type 184. If you are interested in military equipment and Estonian history, Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is where you need to go!

Kadriorg Palace

Kadriorg Palace is a must-visit for art and history lovers who want to find out more about Estonia’s old days and culture. It is the poshest palace in the country, so if you want to find out how the highest-class people in Estonia used to live, go here.

Tallinn TV Tower

There is no better place in Tallinn to see the panoramic view of the city from high above than Tallinn TV Tower. Everything from old buildings to glistening Baltic Sea to green parks will be in your sights, so make sure to take a camera.

Kumu Art Museum

Kumu Art Museum is one of the biggest art museums in Northern Europe and a must-visit while staying in Tallinn. All the most important artworks of local artists can be found here, so if you want to understand Estonian art, this is the perfect place.

St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral is a cathedral church built in the 13th-century. This medieval Gothic church is the oldest in Estonia, making it a very important monument. It was originally a Catholic church but was converted to Lutheran in 1561.

St. Nicholas’ Orthodox Church

St. Nicholas’ Orthodox Church was designed by famous architect Luigi Rusca and built in the early 19th-century. It is one of the most iconic churches in Tallinn, which perfectly translates the true spirit of the city, with all the turbulent history and magnificent culture.

Estonian Open Air Museum

After learning more about Estonian history and culture make sure to visit Estonian Open Air Museum and experience it all yourself. There is no better place in Estonia to see everyday lives of the villagers in the 18th-20th century. You can even visit an old village tavern and try out the traditional Estonian dishes prepared by local cooks.

Estonian History Museum

Estonian History Museum is located in the 15th-century Great Guild Hall, which is already an important historic monument in Estonia. Inside you can find the most important exhibits from Estonian history since prehistoric times, so there is no better place to learn all about this spectacular Baltic State.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the most spectacular Orthodox church in Tallinn. You will be amazed by all the luxury and opulence inside this grand onion-domed structure.

Tallinn Town Wall

Tallinn Town Wall is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe, which will take you back to the Middle Ages. 20 towers and 1.9 kilometers long, the original wall is still standing, surrounding Tallinn Old Town and creating a wonderful fairytale atmosphere.

Oldest pharmacy in Europe

This pharmacy, located in Town Hall Square, was opened in 1422 and is still operating! It is by far the oldest one in Europe, so if you want to learn what people used as medicine hundreds of years ago, be sure to stop by. Of course, you can purchase modern products just like in any other Tallinn pharmacy.

Kiek in de Kök

Kiek in de Kök is a huge 38-meter-high cannon tower, which is now a museum. If you are interested in walls, cannons, and medieval exhibits, you must drop by this place, which is also a starting point of a hidden tunnels system which runs through Toompea Hill.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Tallinn Tourist Information Centre

Opening times

• Address: Niguliste 2, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia ( map )
• Ph.: + 372 645 7777
• E-mail:  [email protected]
• Chat:  www.visittallinn.ee  
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• With free city maps and brochures
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• Buy Ühiskaart, the green plastic fare-card for  Tallinn’s public transport
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Tallinn Tourist Information Centre

Niguliste tänav 2, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

• [email protected]
• (+372) 645 7777

Welcome to the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre! The Tourist Information Centre provides information about Tallinn's museums and attractions, tours, events, as well as restaurants and shopping possibilities. The helpful staff at the Tourist Information Centre can provide up-to-date tourist information about Tallinn, both on-site and via telephone, email and web chat. It is possible to buy the Tallinn Card and a Tallinn public transport ticket and city maps at the Tourist Information Centre.

Times and prices

Is open every day: 09:00 - 18:00

Is open every day: 09:00 - 15:00

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• Information on guides
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• Sales of public transport tickets
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Getting there

Stops nearby, coordinates.

• 59°26'11''N 24°44'38''E
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

ruthandvern

Great advice

We have a week in the city and on our first day in old town we stopped in and received maps and valuable event information.

In_vino_veritas25

Very useful and great 2 hour free guided tour

The center was very helpful, staff spoke great English and cared doing about their job well. Lots of info there. Best of all, every hour (I think 10-2) there is a free 2 hour guided tour which...

Flyingboy58

Travel help

I stopped here for information. The line wasn’t long although it moves slowly because they provide so much information. A good travel resource.

Places nearby

Our site is also available in Chinese and you will be redirected to Visit Estonia Chinese website visitestonia.cn

爱沙尼亚旅游局中文官方网站现已上线，即将跳转至中文官网visitestonia.cn

• Yes, redirect me / 前往中文官网
• No, stay here / 停留在本网站