Tallinn October 2014

Pictures taken on the 7th of October, 2014 in Tallinn old town.
Leaving at sunrise Leaving from Länsisatama early in the morning : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Suomi, kaupunki, laiva, loma, matka, syksy Tallinn Tallinn harbour and new part of town behind it : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Paks Margareeta Fat Margaret was built in the early 16th century (from 1511 to 1530) during the reconstruction of the medieval city gate system. The etymology of the tower's name derives from the fact that it was the largest part of the city's fortifications with walls measuring 25 meters in diameter, 20 meters in height and up to 5 meters thick. Apart from being a fortification against would-be invaders to the port of the town, it was also built to impress outside visitors arriving by sea. The tower is a defensive structure at the end of Pikk tänav (Pikk Street). Together with the Suur Rannavärav (Great Coastal Gate), a sixteenth-century arch flanked by two towers, it served to defend the harbour of Tallinn. Later, it was used as a storehouse for gunpowder and weapons, and then transformed into a prison, and was the scene of an outbreak of violence during the 1917 Revolution, when the prison guards were murdered by a mob of workers, soldiers and sailors. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Eesti Meremuuseum The tower now serves a more peaceful function of housing the Estonian Maritime Museum which looks at the nation's seafaring history with a collection of nautical paraphernalia that spreads over four stories and a view of the old town and Tallinn's harbour and bay from its rooftop viewing platform. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy
Eesti Meremuuseum The tower now serves a more peaceful function of housing the Estonian Maritime Museum which looks at the nation's seafaring history with a collection of nautical paraphernalia that spreads over four stories and a view of the old town and Tallinn's harbour and bay from its rooftop viewing platform. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Kolm Õde The Three Sisters Hotel is a remarkable combination of three merchant houses built in 1362, with passages and secret stairways that link the different floors : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Kolm Õde One of the doors of the Tree Sisters hotel. Probably not in use. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Oleviste kirik St. Olaf’s Church or St. Olav's Church, is believed to have been built in the 12th century and to have been the centre for old Tallinn's Scandinavian community before Denmark conquered Tallinn in 1219. Its dedication relates to King Olaf II of Norway (a.k.a. Saint Olaf, 995–1030). The first known written records referring to the church date back to 1267, and it was extensively rebuilt during the 14th century. In 1590, the total height of the church tower was 115–125 m. The tower has been hit by lightning around ten times, and the whole church has burned down three times throughout its known existence. Following several rebuildings, its overall height is now 123.7 meters. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy
Oleviste kirik St. Olaf's church main isle : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Oleviste kirik Autumn harvest near the church's altar. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Plate torn Buil in 1401–1410 and named after toert commander Herbord Plate. Three-floor tower is 24 metres tall and 9,75 metres in diameter. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy City wall and Köismäe Tower The horseshoe-shaped Köismäe Tower is in the western part of the city wall, between the Plate and Loewenschede Towers, on the most exciting street running along the city wall. Constructed in 1360, the tower has a small balcony from which you can access the wall. The five storeys that the tower now has and its height of 27 metres came about in 1520, since which times it has been remarkably well preserved. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy
Panda power Geometric panda painted on the wall : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Pagari 1 This building housed the headquarters of the organ of repression of the Soviet occupational power. Here began the road to suffering for thousands of Estonians. The building complex Pikk 59, Pagari 1 and Lai was the former headquarter of KGB were “enemies of the state” were interrogated and tortured and then afterward executed or sent to the Soviet Gulag camps. A Soviet-era joke says that this was the tallest building in Estonia: even from the basement, you could see Siberia. The spire of the nearby Oleviste Church was used by KGB as a radio surveillance station. The bricked-up basement windows should mute the sounds from the interrogations and torturing in the basement. The building complex was erected in 1912 and used as apartment and office building. From 1920 it was used by authorities of the free Republic of Estonia. After the Soviet occupation the KGB moved in. After the independence in 1990 the complex was used by the Estonian Ministry of Interior Affairs. : 2014, KGB, terror, building, house, history, apartments, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Toompea Toompea is the oldest ihhabited place in Tallinn as it offered a natural protection from enemies. There was some kind of castle over 1000 years ago. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Yeltsin memorial A memorial for Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, for his role in the peaceful restoration of Estonia's independence in 1990-1991. : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy
Oleviste church and city walls A view from Patkuli viewing platform towards harbour : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Coats of arms Tallin's coat of arms in the middle surrounded by who knows which : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy Tallinna Neitsi Maarja Piiskoplik Toomkirik The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin in Tallinn, also known as Dome Church) is a cathedral church located on Toompea Hill. Originally established by Danes in the 13th century, it is the oldest church in Tallinn and mainland Estonia. It is also the only building in Toompea which survived a 17th-century fire. The Dome Church’s exterior dates from the 15th century, the spire dates from the 18th century. Most of the church’s furnishings goes back to the 17th and 18th centuries. From 1778 to 1779 a new baroque spire was built in the western part of the nave. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Toompea loss Toompea Castle is a castle on Toompea hill. The castle, an ancient stronghold site in use since at least the 9th century, today houses the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu). In 1710, Sweden lost the territory of modern-day Estonia to the Russian Empire. The Russian administration eventually carried out large reconstruction schemes and turned the castle definitively into a palace. A new dominating wing in Baroque and Neoclassical style, designed by Johann Schultz, was added in the western part of the castle complex (1767-1773). It housed the administration of the Governorate and the living quarters of the governor. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral crowns the hill of Toompea which is one of several places where according to legend the Estonian folk hero Kalevipoeg's father Kalev is said to have been buried. The cathedral was built during the period of late 19th century Russification and was so disliked by many Estonians as a symbol of oppression that the Estonian authorities scheduled the cathedral for demolition in 1924, but the decision was never implemented due to lack of funds and the building's massive construction. The church has been meticulously restored since Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It was built to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn's largest and grandest orthodox cupola cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky who in 1242 won the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus, in the territorial waters of present-day Estonia. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Town wall and Neitsitorn and Kiek in de Kök Medieval town wall and Maiden’s Tower, which was was erected between 1370-1373 when the wall was built in the Danish King’s Garden. During the Livonian War (1558-1583) the tower was damaged and thus lost its military functions. From 1842-1960 the tower was used as a residence and was even home to one of Estonia’s top architects Karl Burman after World War Two. Kiek in de Kök was built in 1475. It gained the name from the ability of tower occupants to see into kitchens of nearby houses. The tower is 38 m high and has walls 4 m thick. Cannon balls dating back to 1577 are still embedded in its outer walls. The tower now serves as a museum and photographic gallery. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Neitsitorn and Kiek in de Kök Both towers seen from the Danish King's Garden. According to and old legend the Danes got their national flag from Tallinn. Allegedly this flag was given to them straight from heaven when they were losing the battle on 15th of July in 1219 and the battle course turned in favour of the Danes. Their victory brought along the reign of Danish King in Tallinn and Northern Estonia, that lasted over one hundred years. Danebrog - the flag of Denmark - day is celebrated annually in every summer. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Old bottles Very cute old pig-shaped bottle in the Maiden's Tower display case. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Toompea fortress A model of first fortress on Toompea hill, around 1000 AD. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Toompea, Viro, city, fortress, kaupunki, loma, matka Old shoes Medieval shoes on display at Kien in de Kök : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka The Rack Medieval torture device called the rack. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Executioner's sword An inscription on the executioner’s sword read: “God’s mercy and faith are renewed every morning. Raising this sword, I help the sinner find eternal rest.” It is on display at Kiek in de Kök. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Cannon Medieval cannon and it's gunners (actually, these are just dolls) : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka The Black Death Plaque victims are being removed. Notice the protective suit of the doctor/body collector. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Town wall and Tallitorn The Stable Tower was built in the 14th century along with the wall. It served as a prison for minor offenses in the 16th and 17th centuries. Town records from November 1626 tell of the son of Burgomaster B. von Gerten, who was locked up for something called an ‘engagement offence.’ According to the records, the young man was so afraid of the ghosts that reputedly haunted the tower, that he was given special permission to have his servant accompany him. Both were found pale and extremely shaken the next day, claiming to have been harassed by spirits, and were relocated. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Lühige Jalg This street was first mentioned in 1353. It has had many names throughout the history, because of various rulers, but this has been the formal name since 1966. It runs between Rataskaevu and Pigg Jalg : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Pörgu Pörgu means hell. Nice sign though, according to reviews there's a good selection of beer available, I didn't visit it though. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Sign Another nice sign : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Rataskaevu 18-20 These buildings, along with number 22, partially seen on the left were owned by famous painter Michel Sittow, who inherited them after his father's death in 1482. Not much is left of those medieval houses today. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Pika jala väravatorn Long Leg gate tower, built in 1380. The Upper and Lower Towns were connected by the Long Leg street (Pikk jalg) during the Middle Ages. The Short Leg street (Lühike jalg) could only be used by pedestrians, because it is and was only a stairway-street. The relations between the Upper and Lower towns were pretty tense, because both the rich merchants of the Lower Town and the noblemen and knights of the Upper Town wanted to obtain more power. : 2014, G12, Long leg tower gate, Tallinna, Viro, defence, kaupunki, loma, matka, town wall
When pigs fly Some nice decorative items posing on a shop window : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Voorimehe Coachmen street, connects the Upper city to the market square and is one of the oldest streets in Tallinn : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Hopner House The house, which was named after its former owner, merchant Johan Hopner, is one of the best preserved examples of medieval residential buildings in Tallinn. The first part of the complex of buildings, formerly known as Matkamaja, was built more than 700 years ago as a tower house. Merchant Johan Hopner bought the tower house in 1662, and he also acquired the shop in 1665. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Photographing Teddies Teddy bears with cameras for sale. Unfortunately they were too expensive for me, but funny anyway. At least I have the picture :). : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
The old prison building The building consists of two centuries-old edifices. The house at 6, Raekoja Street is older. This is the former prison (odelie, Büttelei) that evidently dates from the beginning of the 14th century. This initial building was thoroughly reconstructed in 1441-42 as the bills of construction in the Tallinn Town Archive prove. The prison has been renovated several times. It was described as badly neglected in 1752 and the cross vaults in the streetside part of the ground floor obviously date from that time. The prison was closely connected with the Town Hall, the first floor of which was also used for court sessions. There is a connecting door into the street. It now houses the Photo Museum, which I actually visited. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Raekoja plats Town Hall Square, town hall itself is on the right and is the oldest one surviving in the Northern Europe. It was built in 1404 to it's current form. Christmas market has been held on this square over 500 years now. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Raeapteek Opposite the Town Hall, at house number 11, it is one of the oldest continuously running pharmacies in Europe, having always been in business in the same exact house since the early 15th century. It is also the oldest commercial enterprise and the oldest medical establishment in Tallinn. Historians have not been able to determine when exactly the pharmacy opened, but the oldest records available show that the Raeapteek was already on its third owner in 1422. Some scholars consider the opening year to be 1415. The Burchart (Burchard) family are those most closely associated with the pharmacy's history, having run the business for over 10 generations, spanning over 325 years from around 1582 to 1911. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Raeapteek Opposite the Town Hall, at house number 11, it is one of the oldest continuously running pharmacies in Europe, having always been in business in the same exact house since the early 15th century. It is also the oldest commercial enterprise and the oldest medical establishment in Tallinn. Historians have not been able to determine when exactly the pharmacy opened, but the oldest records available show that the Raeapteek was already on its third owner in 1422. Some scholars consider the opening year to be 1415. The Burchart (Burchard) family are those most closely associated with the pharmacy's history, having run the business for over 10 generations, spanning over 325 years from around 1582 to 1911. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Raekoja plats 12 One of the few artisan houses on Town Hall Square. First mentioned in 1338 as a property of Thilekinus Saxo, later enlarged. It has belonged to all kinds of artisans, like bookbinders and goldsmiths. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Niguliste kirik St. Nicholas' Church was built in the 13th century, it was partially destroyed in Soviet Bombing of Tallinn in World War II. It has since been restored and today houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, focusing mainly on ecclesiastical art from the Middle Ages onward. The former church is also used as a concert hall. In 1405–1420 St. Nicholas' church obtained its current appearance. : 2014, G12, Niguliste, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Flirting Dove Someone had taken artistic freedom with this pigeon blocking access for cars. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Ilusalong This is a sign for a hairdresser/cosmethologist, but can also bring some more carnal pleasures in mind :). : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Õnnelik korstnapühkija Bronze statue of a jolly chimneysweep, with some bronze footsteps behind him. Erected in 2010, created by Tauno Kangro and it is located at the Karjavärava square. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka St. Patrick's This 15th century building (although it's first mentioned in 1395), which was restored in 2011, now houses an Irish restaurant, St. Patrick's, which I actually visited and had a meal there. I can recommend, price was okay and so was the food. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Piiskopi Maja The Bishop's House, first known owner is Johannes Sost, from 1339. Bishop Euerd Kalle transferred two Pikk street houses to Emert Smid in 1463. To return the favor Emert let his brother-in-law use Kuninga 1 property. This is speculation, but from 1481 the property has been called Bishop’s house. All attic space in a medieval merchant house was dedicated to warehousing of goods. This attic has an original winch-wheel that was used to hoist goods to the attic. Attic winch-wheel doors are common in Tallinn, but complete working rope winch-wheels are rare. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Peppersack This old merchant house was built in 1420-1460. The lower part has been modified in the 20th century though. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Little Red House This nice little red house is located on Saiakang, a small alley between Raekoja plats and Pühavaimu. House owner Bernhard Hetlingi's coat of arms above the door suggest that it was built in 1656. Pühavaimu kirik is on the background. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Suurgildi Hoone The Great Guild was a guild for merchants and artisans, operating in Tallinn from at least the 14th century until 1920. It was based in the Great Guild hall, a Gothic building in the historical centre of Tallinn, today housing the Estonian History Museum. The building was erected in 1407-1410, with the interiors finished in 1417. The façade is decorated with blind arches, and has a typical, prominent portal. Inside, the main hall especially retains the medieval atmosphere. It is a large 365 square metres room, supported by a range of pillars with decoratively carved capitals. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Suurgildi Hoone uks The door of the Great Guild Hall, now serving as a museum (the whole building, not just the door) : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Püha Vaimu kirik Church of the Holy Spirit is a medieval Lutheran church in the old town. Building of the church probably started sometime during the first half of the 13th century, and the church is mentioned in written sources for the first time in 1319. The fact that the church does not face due east may suggest that it was erected in an already built-up area and had to adapt to the street layout. Originally the church was part of a greater almshouse complex, and dedicated to the Holy Ghost, and apart from the main entrance on the north side of the church, there was also an entrance from the almshouse yard, on the south side of the church. The oldest part of the church is the choir, to which the aisle was added sometime in the late 13th century or early 14th century. The original wooden ceiling was replaced in 1360, when the present vaulting, tower and large gothic windows were added. In 1630, the tower received its current appearance, which however is a reconstruction as the tower was ravaged by fire in both 1684 and 2002. The church was the first church in Estonia to hold services in Estonian, and the first extracts of the catechism to be published in Estonian were printed here in 1535 : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
The Clock Clock of the Church of the Holy Ghost in Tallinn, made by Christian Ackermann in the late 17th century. It still works, which can't be said of many more modern clocks. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Shokolaad Nice window cover, although at least in Finland this would be banned as racist or something. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Vault A vault leading to Katariina Käik : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the biggest in the city in the Middle Ages. It was the grandest and southernmost building in the Dominican friary complex which was founded by the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in the second half of the thirteenth century. The church connected directly to the friary garth, and to the monastery storeroom which still exists. The church itself was originally a three-aisled hall church which was influenced by those in Visby, Gotland, in Sweden. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Katariina Käik What makes this easily the most picturesque of Old Town's lanes particularly interesting is that it's home to the St. Catherine's Guild, a collection of craft workshops where artists use traditional methods to create and sell glassware, hats, quilts, ceramics, jewellery, hand-painted silk and other wares. The workshops are housed in the small, 15th- to 17th-century rooms on the south side of the lane, and are set up in an open-studio fashion so visitors can watch the artists at work, be it glass-blowing, weaving or pottery making. This street was earlier called The Monk's Passage (Munga Käik). : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Katariina Gildi Savikoda Nice door of St. Catherine's Guild ceramics shop. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Katariina Käik What makes this easily the most picturesque of Old Town's lanes particularly interesting is that it's home to the St. Catherine's Guild, a collection of craft workshops where artists use traditional methods to create and sell glassware, hats, quilts, ceramics, jewellery, hand-painted silk and other wares. The workshops are housed in the small, 15th- to 17th-century rooms on the south side of the lane, and are set up in an open-studio fashion so visitors can watch the artists at work, be it glass-blowing, weaving or pottery making. This street was earlier called The Monk's Passage (Munga Käik). : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Müürivahe 52 Munkadetagune torn (Tower behind Monks) and part of the town wall. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Town wall Munkadetagune torn (Tower behind Monks) and part of the town wall. This picture is taken from Hellemanni torn Helleman Tower. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Stairs Helleman Tower stairs : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Müürivahe Müürivahe and town wall, Helleman tower also visible : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Town wall Part of the town wall which is still accessible from Helleman tower. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Viru värav Viru Gates were built in the 14thC, and the towers still standing today are only a part of the original structure. Viru Gates are located in the eastern section of the town wall. The main tower of the gates was built in its initial form in 1345-1355. Today, Viru Gates are one of the entrances into the Old Town. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Vana Tallinn Old map and explanations still visible on a house wall : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Helleman tower Helleman tower seen from Uus street : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Renoval required This old building could use some tender love and care pretty soon, on Uus street. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka
Uus 15 This baroque style house now holds the Lithuanian embassy. This building is probably built in the middle of 17th century, when Sweden ruled Estonia. It has been remodelled in 1750's and again in 1949 to fix the extensive damages caused by the Russian bombings duringWWII. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka Dragon A decorative water pipe on Lithuanian embassy building. : 2014, G12, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka The Broken Line This monument was erected on the Suur Rannavärav bastion in Tallinn in memory of those who lost their lives on the 'Estonia' ferry, which sank on the night of 28 September 1994 between Tallinn and Stockholm. 137 people were rescued, but 852 died - 757 of whom were never found. Created by Villu Jaanisoo and Jorma Mukala in 1996 : 2014, Nokia Pureview 808, Tallinna, Viro, kaupunki, loma, matka, syksy