Читать книгу Tallinn – Estonia's Capital - Margit Mikk-Sokk - Страница 4

Tallinn - Estonia’s capital Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the most charming medieval capitals in Europe. When you arrive by sea, the Old Town of Tallinn arises from the sea like a fairy tale town. The network of streets and boarders of building plots developed in the 13th−15th centuries as well as all the most important public and religious buildings erected during this period have preserved their medievaal appearance and help you to travel back in time. Cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, imposing churches, old storehouses and the town wall radiate a special aura that you cannot experience anywhere else.

Spectacular Hanseatic merchants’ houses and former salt and flour stores from the golden age of the Hanseatic League have been preserved. Turn your eyes upwards because on almost every street you can find some Hanseatic merchants houses that have attic shutters with hoisting hooks used to haul flour bags.

The medieval Old Town of Tallinn is unique in the world because it is complete and it has belonged to the UNESCO world heritage list since 1997.

In addition to the special atmosphere, there are many galleries, boutiques, museums, restaurants and cafés in the

Old Town.

Close to the Old Town is the business heart of Tallinn with tall buildings and the attractively renovated Rotermanni Quarter. Nowhere else can you simultaneously take in a view of architectural pieces that span eight centuries. The Rotermanni Quarter has gained attention in the world as a gem of unique modern architecture. Here you can see an interesting symbiosis of old factories and modern architecture. The renovated quarter contains shops and boutiques, restaurants and offices.

A big difference compared to ohter European capitals is the smallness of Tallinn, i.e. art centres, theatres, shops, restaurants and hotels are close to each other and usually you can get from one point to another simply by foot. Those who have a longer drive ahead can trust the public transportation or taxies.