Bucket List: Old Town from the 13th Century

Estonia, Tallinn, Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site

From a young age, I had read countless books on fairy tales where the central characters lived in medieval Europe. The age-old story of Hansel and Gretel quickly came to mind when I was planning a trip to Helsinki and the idea of a side trip to Tallinn cropped  up.

Reading up as much as I could about Tallinn, I realised that the Old Town district of the Estonian Capital is considered to be the best preserved medieval city in northern Europe. Pictures of cobblestone streets and buildings with Gothic spires convinced me that I had to make the trip as a personal travel Bucket List item.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Old Town of Tallinn has no lack of churches, houses, barns and streets all dating as far back in time as the Middle Ages. 

When I arrived in Tallinn onboard the ferry from Helsinki, I immediately headed for the Old Town. Entering the town through the Viru Gates transported me back to 13th century Europe. Originally built as part of the defence structures of the city during medieval times,  the towers still standing today have become the first structures to welcome visitors to the Old Town. They are also one of the most photographed structures of the area and a favourite selfie spot for many tourists.

Viru Gates, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Moving on into Viru Street after passing the gates, the magic of medieval Europe continued for me as the cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings spread out before me.

Streets of Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Streets of Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Streets of Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Streets of Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Cat sculptures on the roof of a residential structure, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Notable buildings include the Town Hall tower at the Historic Town Centre and the buildings around the town square, Palace of Ungern-Sternberg, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the St Mary's Cathedral and its bell tower. Not forgetting the many other smaller buildings and structures which collectively are the essence of the mythical magic which  seems to envelope the whole town.

The Town Hall at the Historic Town Centre, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

A local bazaar at the Historic Town Centre, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Palace of Ungern-Sternberg, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

St Mary's Cathedral, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Of course, there is also Toompea Hill and the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. Here, an excellent bird's eye view of the surrounding medieval buildings can be enjoyed whilst at the same time, distant views of the gleaming new modern buildings that define the Tallinn of today is also visible. On a clear day, one can also catch panoramic views of part of the Gulf of Finland.

Excellent view of the surrounding mdedieval buildings from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

From the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, the Gulf of Finland can be seen on a clear day, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Panoramic view of part of the Gulf of Finland as seen from Toompea Hill, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Soon, my day trip to Tallinn and its historic Old Town was over as I ticked off my personal Bucket List item while walking back to the port to catch the ferry service back to Helsinki.

Taking in the view of the Old Town onboard the ferry departing Tallinn for Helsinki, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

At the port where all arriving ferries docked, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Delicious food are widely available in the many restaurants and cafes, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Delicious food are widely available in the many restaurants and cafes, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

This shop sells very delicious handmade chocolate, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

A bench outside a restaurant, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)