In prior posts I have mentioned going someplace I never planned to go. My day trip to Estonia fits that category. I had read all about the Old Town of Tallinn, but figured if you've seen one old town, you've seen them all.
WRONG! I am so glad we took the 'fast' boat from Helsinki to spend a day in this very charming city. Last year for A to Z, I made a point of listing the UNESCO heritage sites if applicable. The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO site.
Walking to the Old City from the docks and entering through the Great Coastal Gate, with Fat Margaret's Tower on the left. (not too PC, lol)
Interior of St. Olaf's, built in the 12th Century:
Typical street in Old Town, above, with Town Hall Square, below:
Maiden's Tower and Steeple of St. Nicholas behind:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:
A beautiful view from the top of the high wall:
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And I couldn't resist purchasing these handmade houses that are sold in the souvenir shops:
So, so happy I visited here.
Tolkien Bonus: E is for Elrond, founder of Rivendell, father of Arwen, and bearer of the greatest of the Three Rings, Vilya. At the end of the Third Age he departed over Sea with the other Ring Bearers.
My friend has been to this city twice and I envy him. What a beautiful city and I love the name of that tower:) I love those houses!! I could just see them in my Christmas village. Elrond is one of my favourite characters
ReplyDeleteI bought the houses for my Christmas village, but have kept them on my mantle ever since I got home. They are just so pretty.
DeleteThe little houses you bought are beautiful. They'll serve as a charming visual reminder of this beautiful old town. I particularly liked the little cafe on the street. I've never seen a cafe take over the road like that.
ReplyDeleteOne of the locals told me to come back at Christmas time when the decorations and reindeer take over the town. I guess that is why they all drive very small cars.
DeleteI feel the same way about Tallinn. It was a day trip for me, and a very interesting one. So glad I got to visit there. I'm skipping the A to Z this year. I'm leaving for Japan -- long on my to-visit list -- in a few days and know I won't be able to post every day. Yes, I could have done pre-posts, but that just didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteI saw that you were going to Japan. It is on my bucket list. Someday. Have a great time.
DeleteEstonia is one of those places we hear little about and of which I know virtually nothing. I have listened to some classical music by Estonian composers however. It looks like a very nice place to visit.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
A Faraway View
Well, not that I know much more now other than what the Old Town looks like.
DeleteVisited 25 more blogs today and was surprised at how many were already not participating. I'll be here till the end since all of mine are written.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great photos. I may be taking a trip to Japan this year and plan to see some amazing structures. I’m also doing the A to Z challenge, Organize Home Life on http://AMomsPointOfView.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Japan is on my bucket list. I just needed a bigger bucket.
DeleteSooooo... Estonia is going on my bucketlist! How amazing! This sounds like an amazing trip. I hope I'll be able to tour Europe one day. :)
ReplyDeleteAlex Hurst, A Fantasy Author in Kyoto
A-Z Blogging in April Participant
And Japan is on my bucket list. BTW, not only is Vancouver one of my favorite cities, but my son got married in Victoria a few years ago and then honeymooned in Vancouver and Whistler. You will love it there.
DeleteA blogging friend is doing Hong Kong and Japan right now, not her first trip. Talinn is really lovely and I am so glad you got the chance to visit. I love the name Fat Margaret's Tower, I wonder who she was? Looks a beautiful place. That entry reminds me somewhat of some of the towns I visited in what used to be Yugoslavia. Dunno what they all come under now.
ReplyDeleteI cannot keep track of the old Yugoslavia either. Someone mentions a city I have visited and I have no idea what country it is now. The reason for the name Fat Margaret is a mystery from what I have read. I had no idea until recently that there is a museum in the tower. I missed that.
Deletethese are the places I would like to visit one day :) the buildings look so beautiful and the streets quiet.
ReplyDeleteHi are you living in Estonia? We have been looking for places to retire and cannot find out if they gave retirement visas for American citizens who would like to retire there...we are now in Cuenca Ecuador,, but would like to keep moving...
ReplyDeleteNo, I only visited. My friend's mother is from Estonia and often visits. No idea about visas.
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