Cultural sightseeing in Estonia

Estonia is a northern sea country with a unique cultural heritage. The winding streets of its cities still retain the medieval spirit. Magnificent castles, palaces and cathedrals fascinate tourists from all over the world. Every year, lovers of history and connoisseurs of architectural beauties visit the country. Most of the guests want to go to the capital, Tallinn. Its historical part unites the upper and lower regions. On the Toompea hill is located Vyshgorod which is surrounded by a massive fortress. The main attraction of the upper part of the city is a sample of medieval architecture, the Toompea Castle where the Estonian Parliament sits today. There is also the grand cathedral of Alexander Nevsky and the Dome Church where the outstanding military commander Pontus De la Gardi is buried.

Lower Tallinn is distinguished by a spacious Town Hall Square. The building of the Town Hall standing on the square is as old as the city itself. Its spire is adorned with the famous weather vane in the form of the figure of the warrior “Old Thomas”, considered to be the symbolic guard of Tallinn. Among the wall dividing the Upper and Lower City, there are two old towers which standout. During battles, artillery guns were hidden in Kiek in de Kök. Tolstaya Margarita formerly served as a prison house. Now it is employed for the exposition of the Maritime Museum of Estonia. In the lower part of the city, there are several original architectural monuments, among them “Three Sisters” and also, “Father and Son”.

The oldest city in the Baltics, Tartu, is considered to be the cradle of science. In the early 17th century, one of the first universities in Europe was opened here. The elegant main building of the University of Tartu built in the traditions of classicism, crowns the architecture of the city. One of the intriguing places on the campus is the attic where former students were imprisoned in the past centuries. Today on its walls, doors and ceiling you can see the drawings and inscriptions left by them. All tourist routes in Tartu go through Inglisild or “Angel Bridge” which bears the Latin inscription that reads: “Leisure Renews the Powers”. Local students believe that if you walk along the bridge with a bated breath, then your wish will come true. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city of Narva located at the intersection of trade routes, was historically a European trade center. Today, this large city by Estonian standards has become one of the popular holiday destinations for residents of neighboring countries. The Hermann Castle, characterized by “Convent building” type of construction, is of interest to tourists. The castle includes four wings and towers. Its complex includes the castle of the Livonian Order and the belt of defensive structures built by the Danes. The main tower of the fortress is the Pikk Hermann, the symbol of Narva. The Narva Museum is located within Hermann Castle. Most of its exhibits are devoted to the history of the city. The exhibition halls are located in the main tower. Concerts and other cultural events are often organized in the museum.

The port city of Pärnu is the “summer capital” and the cultural center of Estonia. It unites the historical part and the romantic seaside region. Among the heterogeneous architecture of the city, medieval buildings are seen adjoining with elegant resort villas. There are also houses of the Soviet period together with modern buildings. The St. Elizabeth’s Church is located in Pärnu. It was built with the money of the Russian Empress. The building is designed in baroque style with elements of Gothic Revival. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the best organ in Estonia is played in it. The remains of fortifications were preserved in the city. Today, they now house cafes and observation platforms. These include the Tallinn Gate, Munamägi Hill and Valjala hill or rampart.

Estonia is famous for its numerous castles and fortresses, most of which belonged to the Livonian Order. The Episcopal Castle is the only medieval structure preserved in its original form. It was completed in the middle of the 14th century on the island of Saaremaa. Today there is a museum and an art gallery in the fortress. In the city of Rakvere, you will find the Rakvere castle. Following the aftermath of the Polish-Swedish war in the 17th century when the Castle was left in ruins, mining of rocks was conducted in it. The fortress was reconstructed in the 20th century and is now accessible for visiting.