Page 61 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

EST ONIA REGION B Y REGION 59

TALLINN

In a little over 20 years, the Estonian capital has grown into
a dynamic, chic and exciting city. An architectural wonder,
Tallinn has some stunning examples of modern architecture
that reflect the newfound confidence of its people. In
addition to restoring the medieval architecture of its Old
Town, the city has experienced a major construction boom.

An overview of Tallinn from Toompea Hill Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
shows how the city has made the best since 1991, is a living monument to this
of its extraordinary historic foundations. golden period of Tallinn’s history. Tallinn
Tallinn first appeared on the Western was relatively stagnant during the Tsarist
European map in 1154. The city came Russian period, which began in 1710
to be known as Tallinn after the Danes under the rule of Peter the Great. For
conquered it in 1219 and built a most of the 19th century, it was little
stronghold on Toompea Hill. “Tallinn” is more than a summer resort for wealthy
an abbreviation of the Estonian name Russians. However, the introduction of
Taani Linnus, meaning “Danish the Tallinn–St Petersburg railway in 1870
stronghold”. However, Tallinn officially restored the city’s former glory as a
bore the Teutonic name of Reval until major trading centre. During the
Estonia’s first period of independence Soviet occupation a vast influx of
in 1918. With the arri val of German predominantly Russian-speaking
merchants in 1230, the city was divided workers swelled Tallinn’s population.
into the Upper Town (Toompea) and Since independence in 1991,
the Lower Town. improved air and sea transport links with
In 1346, the Danish king sold Tallinn to Western Europe has made Tallinn easily
Germany. The city flou rished in the 14th accessible. The city has forged close ties
and 15th centuries, when it was one of with neighbouring Finland and the
the leading members of the powerful Tallinn–Helsinki ferry line is among
Hanseatic League. The brilliantly restored the busiest in the world.

Diners at an alfresco restaurant at the heart of Old Town in Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its striking onion domes