Exploring the History and Heritage of Tallinn

A school trip to the Baltic region of northern Europe will be likely to include the beautiful and diverse country of Estonia. After the country declared independence from Russia in 1918, it was formed into 15 counties; the largest is Tallinn, which is also the home of the country's government.

Estonia is often ranked as one the countries with the best human development index, indicating an exceptional quality of life, business, economic status and cultural scene. While you are in Tallinn, students should take some time to explore the history of the city by strolling around its ancient city centre - the Old Town, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

History of the Old Town

The origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, and this centre is a testament to the architecture of a medieval northern Europe trading city. A school trip to the area will take students on a virtual history lesson of the city, which began as a fort at Toompea on the Viking route to Constantinople in the10th - 11th centuries. In the first part of the 14th century, the town came under Papal jurisdiction and was split into two parts - the Fortress and the Lower Town. In the 15th century, the importance of Tallinn increased and it became a major stop on the trade routes. In the 17th century, the city was captured by Tsar Peter I and only gained freedom again after breaking away from Russia in the early 1900s.

Toompea Hill

As you wander around Tallinn on a school trip to Estonia, you cannot help but notice the large limestone hill that seems to dominate the city. Toompea Hill sits in the centre of the city and is roughly 17 acres in size. The hill has a long and convoluted history entwined with the rulers of Tallinn and Estonia, and today it is home to the country's government. The western part of Toompea Hill is occupied by the castle that was originally built in the 10th - 11th centuries, but has been extended and rebuilt over time. The tower of Long Hermann, two bastions and the imposing walls survive on the western, northern and eastern sides. A visit to Toompea Hill isn't complete without exploring the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was built in typical Russian style between 1894 and 1900 and is the largest cathedral in the city.

Walking through and around the Old Town

Situated on Raekoja Square is the imposing town hall of Tallinn - an interesting place to visit on a school trip, full of history and heritage. Built in 1371, the stone structure is the only intact Gothic Town Hall in Northern Europe and now houses the Tallinn City Museum. Before you leave Raekoja Square, head across from the town hall to see the Raeapteek, which is one of the oldest working pharmacies in the world. It has been in business in the same location since the 15th century. Once you have visited the pharmacy at Number 11 - and if you feel like a walk - follow the original medieval walls, including 26 watch towers, and stop at the Müürivahe street near the Viru gates to see bits of the wall in its original form. Before you call it a day in Tallinn, stop by St Mary's Cathedral - Toomkirik - which is the oldest church in the city. While originally built in 1229, it has expanded and changed denomination from Catholic to Lutheran.

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