Tallinn, Estonia

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most imposing buildings in the Old City. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built and solemnly consecrated in Tallinn in 1900 in memory of the miraculous rescue of the royal family in a railway accident that occurred on 17 October 1888. At the time, several railcars of the train travelling from Crimea to Saint Petersburg derailed. The roof of the railcar in which the royal family was riding began to collapse. Alexander III, who possessed extraordinary strength, held it up on his shoulders until everyone inside-including the servants-managed to get out. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in honour of this saint, since it was he who served as the patron of the Russian tsar.

Town Hall

The city hall building in Tallinn was first mentioned in 1322. In the early 15th century, a tower was added, and in 1530 the Old Thomas weather vane was installed on it, becoming a symbol of Tallinn. Today, the original Thomas is kept in the city museum, while a copy spins in the wind in its place. There were storerooms in the basement rooms. The first floor of the city hall served as a trading hall. On the second floor are the Town Hall Chamber (the Magistrate’s Hall) and the Burghers’ Hall, preserved to this day. The Tallinn city hall is the only building of this kind in Northern Europe that has been preserved in its original Gothic form. Today, you can tour the interior of the city hall, and (in summer) also climb its tower to enjoy views of the Old Town from the viewing platform.

Thick Margarita Tower

Gun turret once guarding Tallinn - Thick Margaret - the most impressive tower of the city wall. The history of Thick Margaret dates back to the 16th century, but its modern name was not established right away - only in 1842. Until then, the imposing structure was called simply: the New Tower. In the 19th century, Thick Margaret was converted into a prison. In 1917, the tower was burned down, and in 1930 it was decided to set up a Maritime Museum inside it. Thick Margaret was restored and completely refurbished. Even the Estonians themselves cannot say for sure where this name came from. Some say that a cook named Margaret worked in the garrison, while others claim that the most powerful cannon was called that.

St. Olaf Church

Believe it or not, but at one time the tallest structure on Earth was located on the territory of Estonia. The Burj Khalifa of the Middle Ages was this very church of St. Olaf, or Oleviste, in Estonian. With its almost 159 meters in height, the Oleviste church was the world record holder for about two hundred years. The Church of St. Olaf was a good helper to sailors: the tall black spire jutting high into the sky made an excellent landmark. But Oleviste itself had nothing but trouble from such height. During thunderstorms, it attracted lightning. Several times, this led to severe fires. In the end, in 1625 the “skyscraper” was decided to be shortened to “safe” 123 meters.

St. Dominic’s Cathedral

The main Lutheran church in Estonia began to be built back in the early 13th century. The construction took so long that the architecture of its “current” version is so diverse-an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque, and later styles. In the life of old Tallinn, the Cathedral played a very important role. Funds for its construction were collected from across the entire population. At one time, parents who refused to send their children to school were fined. The money received was used, among other things, to build the Cathedral of St. Mary. Tallinn and its residents protect and take care of their Cathedral: photography is prohibited here, so the amazing ancient coats of arms can be seen only by visiting inside. Some of the best organ concerts in Estonia are held here. You can listen to the organ of the Cathedral completely free of charge-admission is open.

Old Tallinn

It is believed that the name Tallinn comes from the phrase “Danish city” - the first stone in the foundation of Estonia’s capital was laid by the Danish knights. Tallinn is an old town; its historic center is protected by UNESCO. Right here, on a small-about one kilometer by one and a half-stretch of land, all the charm of the 800-year-old Estonian capital has been condensed: Old Tallinn, narrow streets, ancient cobblestones, and the orange pyramid shapes of tiled roofs. A couple of hours of unhurried walking along the echoing cobblestones, through souvenir shops, and a couple of cups of coffee with a dash or two of the famous liqueur Vana Tallinn - and you’ll be transported 500 years back in time.

Excursion train “Toomas”

The main children’s attraction in Old Tallinn-an alternative to rides in a carriage through the countryside outskirts of “Rocca al Mare.” Similar to an old-fashioned fire engine, the bright red little train departs from Kulasepa Street and, in just 20 minutes, manages to briskly circle around all the more or less interesting buildings around Town Hall Square. Of course, no tracks were laid along the historic cobblestones. “Thomas” runs on an electric motor with rubber wheels, comically wobbling along the cobblestone road. There are only two cars, and both are tiny-each holds ten. So you’ll need to stand in a short line.

Pirita Beach

Pirita Beach appeared in Tallinn after the 1980 Olympics, at the point where the Pirita River flows into the Gulf of Finland. Nearby there is a sailing sports center-also built for the Olympics-and a beautiful lighthouse you can reach by a concrete walkway. The beach itself stretches for two kilometers and is surrounded by a pine forest. In summer it can be hard to get through. There are changing cabins, swings, children’s and adults’ playgrounds, cafés, a pub, and a restaurant. It’s easy to get to the beach by public transport-buses 1A, 34A, 8, 38 from the Viru terminal.

Courtyard of Craftsmen

The Courtyard of Masters of Images (Tallinn) was formed in a dead-end in the Old Town, at the address Väike Venn 6, as far back as the 14th century. Some of the houses here are even older-they were built in the 13th century. Since time immemorial, people have lived here both working men and artisans, as well as creative people. Today, many craft workshops operate here, where you can buy souvenirs made of wood, glass tableware, designer jewelry, leather goods, sweaters made from pure lambswool, ceramics, and traditional Estonian handmade items with national patterns. You can relax at the popular Chocolaterie de Pierre café. The Courtyard of Masters is one of the most romantic and cozy places in the Old Town. Here you can have a wonderful time, sitting at a café table and choosing souvenirs.

Marzipan Gallery

Estonians claim that the homeland of marzipan is precisely Estonia. Although France, Germany and Italy also lay claim to this title. The Marzipan Gallery is far from the only place in Tallinn where you can buy the famous marzipans, but it’s definitely the most noticeable. In the shop window, bouquets of scarlet roses, baskets of porous oranges, and even an exact miniature copy of Tallinn’s Town Hall constantly replace one another. Naturally, everything is made of marzipan and by hand. You can buy the sweets as a souvenir or-for an additional fee-create a souvenir with your own hands.

Kadriorg

Kadriorg is a large park with a palace that Peter I presented to his wife, Catherine I. Peter I himself planned and laid out the future park and the palace building, but, unfortunately, neither the Great Peter himself nor Catherine ever saw Kadriorg completed. Therefore, all of Peter’s ideas for arranging the park (fountains-jesters, park sculptures, and other features) were never brought to life. Today, the Kadriorg Art Museum operates right inside the palace, with the largest collection of foreign art in Estonia. Very close by, across the road, in the former royal kitchen, is the Mikkel Museum with a collection of Western European art. A little farther on, there is a small children’s center, and at the foot of Lasnamäe Hill is the Museum of Estonian Art, KUMU.

A Stroll Through Old Tallinn

The excursion starts in the center of the Old Town, at Town Hall Square. The route will take you along scenic Tallinn streets, through the Latin Quarter, where from the 13th century a Dominican monastery stood, along Pikk Street - the former main street of the city, home to the houses of Tallinn’s merchant and craft guilds. The Old Town consists of two parts - Toompea (Upper Town) and the Lower Town. After visiting the merchant Lower Town, the group will head to the Upper Town - Toompea. The Upper Town was the stronghold of knighthood. Here you will be able to see two grand cathedrals: the Orthodox one - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Lutheran one - St. Mary’s. City guests will be able to enjoy the famous panoramic view of Tallinn from the viewpoints and see the medieval castle where the Estonian Parliament is located today, as well as the powerful towers of the city walls.

You can view a more detailed list of excursions and their prices after booking your cruise in your «Client Personal Account».