The Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia carries one through a time warp. Defensive walls, ancient steeples, iron signage, gargoyles and vestiges of the Brotherhood of Black Heads are as they were in medieval times. Since early in the 13th century, Tallinn has been a commercial hub on the Baltic Sea. Historically targeted by crusaders, knights, imperial czars and dictators, Tallinn today is a vibrant 21st century city and its' Old Town has survived intact to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe. A casual walk down the cobbled lanes is surreal …. and enchanting.
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A system of defensive walls, now over 800 years old, was built to protect the medieval strategic,
commercial hub, Tallinn. The wall's towers were manned by townspeople who donned armor and fought off invaders. Inside the walled perimeter, many original homes, churches and buildings still stand including
St. Olaf's Church (above) which late in the 12th century was the world's tallest structure. |
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The Brotherhood of Black Heads, a guild of unmarried merchants,
ship owners, etc., served Tallinn in many ways including multi-day,
open, festive celebrations at their 16th century "House". The
ornate, colorful doors still welcome guests to this ancient venue.
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The cobbled St. Catherine's Passage leads through a medieval neighborhood little changed in 600 years.
Dating from the 13th century, overhead buttresses are anchored in what were and are still artisan workrooms where local craftsmen carry-on age-old traditions. Here, one easily imagines gnomes, witches and unicorns.
It's a captivating throw-back to the days of yore!
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