| Page Views: 599 Last Visit to Estonia: - | ESTONIA by hopang - last update: May 9, 2009 |
Republic of Estonia | Fortification Wall at Old Town Tallinn |
Estonia is located in the Baltic region in Northern Europe. It is bordering Finland to the north across the Gulf of Finalnd, Sweden to the west across the Baltic Sea, Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. Today it is a member of European Union (EU).
The total area of Estonia is approximately 45,000 square kilometres. Its official language is Estonian which are quite similar to the Finns as Estonians are closely related to the Finns.
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. Tallinn is also its largest city. Estonia has a population of approximately 1.4 million inhabitants. Approximately 70% of the population are ethnic Estonians and approximately 25% are Russians. The Old Town of Tallinn with its fortress are its main tourist attractions.
The following are two of our favourite tourist attractions in Estonia:- |
| Alexander Nevsky Cathedral |
|  | Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located at the summit of Toompea Hill just opposite Toompea Castle in the heart of the Old Town of Tallinn. It is a Russian Orthodox church designed by Mikhail Preobrazhensky from St. Petersburg in Russian revival style of architecture. The Cathedral was constructed in the late 19th century when Estonia was under Russian Imperial rule. It is one of the largest orthodox cupola cathedrals in Estonia. The Cathedral was built to dedicate St. Alexander Nevsky, the Prince of Novgorod who led the famous Battle of Ice to victory in the 13th century.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a popular landmark which dominates the skyline in the Old Town of Tallinn. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tallinn. The exterior as well as the interior look amazing! The Cathedral's bell towers consist of eleven bells and one of the bells is the largest in Tallinn weighing approximately fifteen metric tonnes. The interior has beautifully and richly decorated golden icons and mosaics. There is a souvenir shop on the right side of the main entrance. Unfortunately photography and video recording is not allowed inside the Cathedral. Please take your hat or cap off before entering the Cathedral and please keep your voice down or keep silent when you are inside the Cathedral!
Nevertheless not many Estonians favour Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as it reminds them of the Russian domination. There were even plans to demolish the Cathedral after the liberation. However the plan had not been fullfilled due to protest! Don't miss this lovely Alexander Nevsky Cathedral when you are in the Old Town in Tallinn for your vacation as we consider this cathedral one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedrals we have seen in Europe! We had actually missed the Cathedral on our first trip to Tallinn but we were glad that we did not miss it on our second trip! |
Town Hall Square, Tallinn Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) is located right in the heart of the Old Town of Tallinn where the Town Hall building is located. It was used as a market place since the 11th century even before the Town Hall building was constructed. The Town Hall building in Gothic style of architecture was constructed in the center of the square in the 14th century. The square had been used for public executions in the past.
The Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Northern Europe with lovely colourful Medieval buildings and cobblestone streets. The area around the square is dotted with lots of cafés, bars and restaurants as well as antique and souvenir shops. Town Hall Pharmacy is famous due to the fact that it has been operating since 1422 at the same spot! Thus it is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe! The pharmacy is located at the corner of the Town Hall Square.
The square is also a favourite meeting place for the locals and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tallinn. The Town Hall together with the Town Hall Square and the Old Town of Tallinn have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1997. Don't leave Tallinn without visiting the Town Hall Square! It is considered a "must-visit" for foreign tourists visiting Tallinn! | | |
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 Comments for hopang about Estonia | | | | |
PierreZA Mon Nov 9, 2009 14:57 UTC
A great page with excellent tips | BruceDunning Mon Oct 26, 2009 17:47 UTC
Your presentation and comments are excellent. I feel like Tallinn is much better known to me now. Fat Margaret tower and the castle are most interesting. | hunterV Sun Oct 18, 2009 14:42 UTC
~ Hello, friends! Thanks for your page! I see it's a nice place to enjoy... I would like to pay a visit too... | JLBG Tue Sep 29, 2009 05:29 UTC
Estonia is high on my wish list. Thank you for the virtual tour that have even increased my hope to visit it soon! Great page! |
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