The biggest city of Estonia is charming with its architecture, history and cuisine. Back in the day the city of Finnish merchants, nowadays the cultural heart of the country. It is known that in the 10th century the city was already a buoyant economic centre. Originally it was a Danish city, then Estonian one, it also went through Russian hands. Since 1918, the year of declaring independence of Estonia, Tallinn has been the capital of the country.
Intricated history of the country mirrors in architecture of the capital. Near the orthodox church, belonging to Russian minority, there are many Lutheran churches. The most interesting of them is a gothic cathedral from 1243, erected on a hill Toompea. It was many times rebuilt, which resulted, for instance, in adding to its gothic walls a baroque topping of a tower. Inside you can see art characteristic for older times – a collection of tombstone epitaphs created between the 13th century and the 17th century.
Do you wonder, when it is best to go to Tallinn? We recommend December, when the middle aged old town is covered with snow and around are situated stands of the Christmas fair. You can buy there Christmas decorations, warm gloves, as well as traditional Christmas snacks. On a square before a town hall you can admire a huge Christmas tree. Make sure to try ice-skating on an open-air skating rink in the centre of the Old Town. After fun, step by one of nearby located pubs for hot wine.
What souvenirs should you get from Tallinn? Above all – craftwork. In spite of ubiquitous modernity, in the city are preserved old traditions of making various objects of household use – ceramics, furniture and objects made from wood, as well as jewellery or clothes. Elegant, though a bit expensive souvenirs, you can find at boutiques by street Viru in the old town. For a bit cheaper souvenirs you can go to a less touristic district Rotermanni. Classical Tallinn souvenirs are woollen jumpers in folk patterns, felt hats and vessels made of juniper’s wood.
