The tour will commence in the historic heart of Reval, the medieval city centre, once a bustling Hanseatic city and a hub for German merchants and craftsmen. As we meander through the narrow, cobbled streets, we'll be enveloped by the aura of centuries past. You'll have the chance to admire the ancient city wall, a multitude of medieval merchant houses, and several churches, including St. Olaf's Church, once considered the tallest building in the world. We'll also explore Europe's oldest town hall and pharmacy, a historic monastery, and the guild houses of merchants and craftsmen. Additionally, we'll visit the birthplace of the Danish flag.
Our journey will then lead us to Toompea hill in the upper town, also known as Dom zu Reval or Domberg, historically the administrative centre of Estonia and the former domicile of the Baltic Germans. Here, you'll discover the city's wall towers, including notable structures like Kiek in de Kök and Tall Hermann. We'll also see the Orthodox Nevsky Cathedral, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, also referred to as the Dom, and admire a collection of classicist style city palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries. Presently, Toompea is where the parliament, government offices, embassies, administrative buildings, and residential areas are located. The viewing platforms offer unparalleled vistas of the town, city wall, the Baltic Sea, and a couple almost of the two thousands of Estonian islands.
The Old Town of Tallinn stands out for its remarkable preservation of medieval and Hanseatic architecture. It embodies an exceptionally well-preserved 13th-century urban plan, surrounded by the medieval limestone city wall, of which approximately 75 percent remains intact today. Since 1997, this area has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our tour guides will not only delve into the historical significance of these sites but also provide insights into Estonia's current affairs and its people. You'll receive valuable tips for exploring beyond the Old Town, including recommendations for cafes, restaurants, and more. We welcome all your questions and hope to make your visit both informative and enjoyable.
