Tallinn Photo Gallery - Upper Town

West of the Old Town, Toompea, or the Upper Town, is elevated at 50m above sea level. The Danes built a stone castle here in the 13th century and retains its fortifications from the 16th century today. Be sure to make your way up here for a commanding view of the Old Town.

The area is recognizable by the huge protective walls. But the atmosphere is far more relaxed today with artists setting up shop.

Once uphill, it is not a huge area to explore. Immerse and enjoy. There are a few major landmarks that you will not miss.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century by Czar Alexander III and named after a Russian duke who defeated the Livonian Knights in 1242.

Across from the Orthodox church is Toompea Castle, home to Estonia's Parliament. A wooden fortress once stood here before the Danish invaded in the 13th century, but became the government centre for the foreign powers that governed the land since.

Otherwise, stroll around the streets randomly to discover the architecture and colours at your own pace.

The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin, or Dome Church, was founded by the invading Danes and was originally made of wood back in the 13th century. The Gothic exterior we see today is more modern from the 14th century, although the church needed restoration after a fire in 1684.

The Knights' House was built in 1848 for meetings, although it had different uses subsequently for the Foreign Ministry, National Library, and an art museum.

Tallinn Gallery Main

Wallpaper source : Eesti Pank / Bank of Estonia

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