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- Destinations
- Europe
- Estonia
- Tallinn
- The Old Town
The Old Town
The winding, cobbled streets of Tallinn's historic centre are
the focus for most visitors to the city and the hub of the major
tourist attractions, which can all be enjoyed on a walking tour.
The walled old town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill was the
residential area of the aristocracy and gentry in days of yore,
while the Lower Town operated independently. The Old Town, much of
it dating from the 11th century, is extremely well preserved and
complete, its powerful defensive stone buildings having ensured
that it was not destroyed despite frequent invasions over the
centuries.
Visitors revel in Town Hall Square, ringed by the beautiful Town
Hall and its adjacent pharmacy, which is still operating on the
site it has occupied since 1422. The Old Town is also full of
churches, like St Olav's, which was the tallest church in Medieval
Europe, dating from the early 13th century. The old town walls and
its many fortresses made up one of the strongest defence systems in
northern Europe by the 16th century. The dominating landmark on
Toompea is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox
Cathedral. The medieval atmosphere is particularly evident in St
Catherine's passage, between Vene and Muurivahe Streets, where
visitors can stroll past the open studios of artists and craftsmen
who have laboured here for centuries.
Information & Facts
Address
Tourist Information Centre, Niguliste 2/Kullassepa 4, in
the centre of the Old Town
Admission
A Tallinn Tourist Card provides free admission to the
museums and sights, free use of public transport and free tours;
available for 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours (from KR130 to
KR450)
Language
Locals speak Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric
family of languages. English is widely used and understood among
the younger generation and those involved in the tourist
industry.
Money
The Estonian currency is now the Euro, as the Kroon (EEK) was
discontinued from 2011. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at
hotels, banks and exchange bureaux in the larger towns, at the
airport and main railway station. Major credit cards are generally
accepted in the larger hotels, main restaurants and shops, but it
is wise to check first. Preferred travellers cheques in Estonia are
Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque. Banking hours are weekdays 9am to
4pm. Exchange bureaux are open till 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to
3pm on Saturdays. Some open on Sundays. ATMs are available in most
towns.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to
the last Sunday in October).