Charming Tallinn

As our ship sailed from St. Petersburg towards Estonia we hoped that in Tallinn the weather would be kinder.  After all, it was June.

We were doomed to disappointment - it was freezing.  Apparently the previous day there had been a freak snowstorm.  So there I was well layered clothes-wise (trousers, tee-shirt, summer tunic, thin cardigan and a showerproof jacket) and hoped that I would stay warm but I really needed boots and gloves as well!

This was my first visit to Tallinn and I had heard a lot about it.  As a friend told me - if you love Prague you'll adore Tallinn.  Yes, I do love Prague.

As the land train bumped us over the cobbles through the Lower Town our heads were on swivels with so many wonderful buildings to look at.  In the Town Hall Square is - of course - the Town Hall, 14th century and the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe.  The minaret-like tower was, apparently, modelled on a sketch made by an explorer after his visit to the Orient.  Also in the square is one of the world's oldest continuously running pharmacies. The Town Council Pharmacy has been in operation since at least 1422 but its present facade dates from the 17th century.

Stretching north from Town Hall Square is Pikk (Long Street) where there are the houses of German medieval merchants.  A lot of these houses were built in the 15th century.  What I like so much about them is that they aren't boring and the colours include cream, pink, burgundy, mint green and sky blue. 

Following this half-hour ride we then went by coach through the upper town to Kadriorg Park and the Song Festival Grounds with its natural amphitheatre (30,000 seats) and stage.  Estonians love singing although throughout the Communist oppression they weren't allowed to congregate and sing.  Shortly before the fall of communism people across the country began gathering to form choirs and now there are concerts and competitions all year round.  The largest festival of song is held here in Tallinn.

But that isn't the only occasion when the stage is in use.  All international musical celebrities perform here and there is a huge board displaying their names - Andrea Boccelli, Madonna, Elton John and Rod Stewart to name but four.

At the end of the tour the coach stopped in Lower Tallinn for those who wanted some free time.  Although I would have loved to take a stroll - and more photos - it was far too cold so I returned to the ship for some hot soup.

Now that I know the layout of the city I can do it by myself on foot next time.