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Culture of Tallinn. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
The majority of historic places of interest are located in the territory of Old Town. Town Hall Square is considered the center of the historic district of Tallinn. Near the square one can see not only many beautiful old buildings, but also numerous restaurants and cafes. The Town Hall building is located just a few steps away from the square. This is a magnificent building in the Gothic style. Opposite the Town Hall is located one more prominent landmark - the oldest pharmacy in the world, which opened in 1422. Nowadays a part of the pharmacy is converted into a museum, which exhibits ancient medicines and pharmaceutical equipment.
Thanks to the well-preserved walls and a special atmosphere of the thousand-year old city, Tallinn looks like a medieval museum in the open air. Toompea Hill has become home to numerous old … 
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Tallinn is an excellent destination for tourists with children as they will be able to enjoy interesting entertainment, from traditional museum excursions to observation of unique historical … Open
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It is worth walking to Meistrite Hoov; art enthusiasts will sure love it here. Also situated in the Old Town is Kohtuotsa vaateplatvorm, an observation platform from which opens up good views of the Estonian capital. You can get on Patkuli Vaateplatvorm too; it is situated close by, so you can make your choice based on where there will be less queue. Eestimaa rüütelkonna hoone, where you will be told about the history of the Livonian Order, is another mandatory route for those who want to get closer acquainted with the history of the capital of Estonia.
Fans of the most diverse culinary trends will be able to find a suitable place for rest in Tallinn. Controvento restaurant offers its guests delicious Italian cuisine. Here you can try not … Open
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At the end of the street is located Suur Rannavärav ja Paks Margareeta, one of the most important symbols of the city. This is part of Tallinna linnamüür, that is, the Town Wall. The building was constructed in the 16th century, and from 1830 the tower was used as a prison. 100 years later it was converted into the History Museum, and today you can learn about the Estonian fishing industry here (the Maritime Museum is sited here). The open-air museum is located in the inner courtyard of the building, and there is an observation deck on the top floor, from which opens up panoramic views of the Port of Tallinn.
The locals are very friendly and calm. They are always very friendly with the guests of the city and are always ready to help. The way of behaving in society is very important for residents … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Tallinn and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Tallinn: churches, museums and castles
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» The five-domed cathedral is located on a small hill and is seen from afar. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built and blessed by the bishop in 1990. The wonder-working icon of the Mother of God was delivered for the ceremony. Facts:» The allocations of the Synod were not sufficient for the construction. The missing amount was collected in Rus. The sacred house is a reminder of saving royal figures after the train accident.
» The ethereal defender of Emperor Alexander III was Prince Nevsky. The cathedral was named after him.
» There are gilded iron crosses above the domes. There are mosaic panels on the facade. There is stained glass in the windows. 11 temple bells weigh over 26 tons. They were made in St. Petersburg. Ringers toll before the church service. The ringing bells are heard throughout the district.
» The interior is decorated according to the Biblical sketches of architect Preobrazhensky. There are many mosaics and icons inside. The wooden gilded iconostasis occupies the central wall of the cathedral.
» In the 30s, the government decided to demolish the cathedral but the abbot, the brother of the Estonian President, defended it.
» The cathedral was built in the likeness of temples of the 17th century and accommodates 1.5 thousand people.
St. Nicholas Church, Tallinn
Location on the map: Facts:
» The temple was named after the patron of sailors, St. Nicholas. German merchants found it in the 8th century. The room was used for commercial transactions. Facts:» The house was being built for hundreds of years. In the 14th century, a western tower was built. The walls of the church had defended the building from enemies’ attacks for a while.
» During the Second World War, the building was partially destroyed due to the air raid. Some medieval pieces of art were saved.
» After the war, the building was being reconstructed. The spire was restored. Years later, it collapsed in coincidences.
» Former Lutheran St. Nicholas Church started to serve as a museum. It houses artifacts from several churches.
» The part of the preserved painting “The Dance of Death” is especially valuable. It is displayed in St. Anthony Chapel.
» The building has amazing acoustics, so organ concerts and church choirs are often held here. You can learn more about the way of life in ancient Tallinn by visiting exhibitions held in the Niguliste Museum.
» You can see a range of gravestones in the territory of the church. One of them dates back to 1520.
» The building of the church was even shown in several films. The church is not used for masses.
St. Olaf Church, Tallinn
Location on the map: Facts:
» As the preserved archives say, the church was built in 1267 as a Catholic construction and belonged to nuns from the convent. Facts:» The building was struck by lightning 8 times. It was on fire during a thunderstorm several times. After the fire in the middle of the 19th century, its area reduced to 123 m.
» The spire served as a pointer for sailors.
» The King of Norway was canonized for his godly deeds here. St. Olaf Church is named after him.
» The building was reconstructed in the 15th century. It started to look like a basilica with rectangular pillars.
» The Chapel of the Virgin Mary was built in a hundred years. There is a spiral staircase leading to the observation platform. 232 steps have different heights, which hinders the ascent.
» 1950 has seen the consolidation of seven religious communities under the arches of the temple.
» The church is distinguished by intersecting carcass arches that make a geometric pattern of stars. There is the St. Olaf bas-relief behind the altar. There is a preserved slab that reminds of the public figure and instigator of the construction.
» The Biblical words are engraved on the symbolic grave of Christ. Church services are held here.
St Mary Cathedral, Tallinn
Location on the map: Facts:
» At the beginning of the 13th century, a small wooden church named after the Most Holy Mother of God was built in Old Tallinn. Facts:» The exterior of the building has changed for hundreds of years. The burials of famous people with verses in their honor have been preserved.
» The building combines different architectural styles. Only the wooden part of the altar has remained untouched. There is the painting of crucified Jesus above it.
» The spruce ceiling above the honorable bishop’s seat in the long hall enhances the sound of the preacher’s voice. There are carved graphic compositions (wooden arms) of famous families on the walls.
» In the organ gallery, there is a 47-tone mechanism made by the German master in 1878. It sounds incredible due to the good acoustics in the gallery.
» When Catherine II ruled, the bell tower was built above the cathedral. You can climb up the stairs to reach it.
» The octagonal carcass ends with the gallery in the form of the arch. There is a vane attached to the sphere above it. It is crowned with a gilded flower that resembles a lily, the symbol of the Virgin Mary’s virginity.
» The white stone Dome Cathedral is the residence of the bishop of the Evangelic Lutheran Church.
Church of St. Charles, Tallinn
Facts:
» The Church of St. Charles (Kaarli) was found many centuries ago, in 1670. It was named after the Swedish King, Charles XI. » It was restored on donations from parishioners in the early 19th century. The city population grew at that time, so there was a necessity in constructing the new House of God.
» It has two towers with spires. The building is made of monolithic limestone slabs and impresses with its size. The church resembles the Latin cross with its shape. According to the project, sculptures should have been installed in the niches but there are no sculptures now.
» There are arched windows on the exterior facade. There is a German-made clock (1990) in the round window above the door. One church bell has been preserved since the construction of the building.
» The wooden ceiling is upheld by brick arches. So, there are no partition pillars, so the room seems to be spacious.
» There is an organ with 81 tones which lets play classical and sacred music for 1500 listeners.
» The first Estonian fresco of 1870 has a historical value. At the bottom of the altar, there is a painted composition of blessing Christ consisted of 3 parts.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Tallinn
Kiek in de Kök (Peek into the Kitchen)
Where: Komandandi tee 2, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 644 66 86;
Where: Komandandi tee 2, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 644 66 86;
Alexander Nevskij Cathedral
Where: Lossi plats 10, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 644 34 84;
Where: Lossi plats 10, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 644 34 84;
Spa experiences
Where: Randvere tee 11, Viimsi, Harju, maakond, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 606 10 00; More info: Viimsispa@viimsispa.ee;
Where: Randvere tee 11, Viimsi, Harju, maakond, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 606 10 00; More info: Viimsispa@viimsispa.ee;
Tallinn Town Hall
Where: Raekoja plats 1, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 645 79 00; More info: Raekoda@tallinnlv.ee;
Where: Raekoja plats 1, Tallinn; Telephone: +372 645 79 00; More info: Raekoda@tallinnlv.ee;
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Tallinn
♥ Palace 'Toompea Palace' , 0.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Kadriorg Palace of Peter the Great' Tallinn, 3.9 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Tallinn and around
♥ Art museum 'Adamson-Eric Museum' Tallinn, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Niguliste Museum' Tallinn, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Kadriorg Art Museum' Tallinn, 3.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Mikkel Museum' Tallinn, 3.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Kumu Art Museum' Tallinn, 3.9 km from the center. On the map
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Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Tallinn
Landmarks of culture on Tallinn map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Tallinn. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Tallinn: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Tallinn. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
