Tallinn, Estonia
After an evening and morning of travel, the National Geographic Endeavour began a slow approach to the port of Tallinn, the capitol of the country of Estonia. Our ship had traveled 198 nautical miles west from St. Petersburg, Russia through the Gulf of Finland in calm seas allowing for an early arrival to Estonia. Once the ship was secured at the dock, a gangway was put in position and announcements were made for disembarkation. Our plans would include spending the entire afternoon and evening in Tallinn.
Having finished lunch, our afternoon began with greetings by an extensive and impressive group of Estonian guides and three busses. The first half of our land exploration would take us around the outskirts of Tallinn to see the song festival grounds that were so important to Estonian national unity. Next, our busses brought us into the "Old Town" of Tallinn situated on a hill just behind the port entrance, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1990's. Just next to Old Town is another hill called Toompea and according to the Estonian national epic Ealevigpoeg, Toompea is the grave mound of an ancient Estonian king, Kalev, built of rocks his widow Linda carried to the site in her apron. The grave was nearly complete when a large rock dropped from her apron. Linda sat down on that large rock and burst into tears. Lake Ulemiste, situated on the limestone plateau high above the city directly opposite the present airport, was born of her tears and Linda's Rock can still be seen standing in it near the water's edge.
Our walking tour of Tallinn took us through the old medieval streets of one of the most beautiful cities of the Baltic States. Our destination was a lookout from the top of Toompea, looking down at an array of clay tiled roofs and cobblestone streets. The origins of the city date back to the 13th century, when the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order erected a castle at the site. It developed as a major center of the Hanseatic League, and its past wealth is obvious in the merchant houses and churches still standing after many wars and conflicts ravaged the area.
Probably one of the most impressive sights sits at the top of the upper town in the central square. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Dome Church built between 1894 and 1900. The selection of this building sight was strategic; as it represented a symbol of Russian power in counter balance to the strong German spirit that was ruling at the time, and even today its style clashed with the surrounding neighborhood! We continued our walking trip, visiting several other churches, and stopping for tea at a lovely café, and then walking down Toompea and into the lower part of Tallinn.
From here all groups took an opportunity to enjoy some exploration of old streets, antique shops, long looks at Baltic Amber, the occasional street musician serenading, while we slowly lost ourselves in sights, smells and sounds.
The National Geographic Endeavour would remain in Tallinn until the wee hours of the next morning giving us all a chance to remain for part of an evening in town…the weather was gorgeous, and as we wandered the streets the late day's shadows slowly made their way up the walls of the many colored medieval buildings. Restaurant callers stood outside many establishments, calling their wares…inviting us to enjoy a myriad of different cuisines from around the world.
There was shuttle transportation provided for those of us who lingered over dinner and drinks, and yet another turn around the central square…giving us one last moment to take in just a little of the flavor that makes Estonia unique.
After an evening and morning of travel, the National Geographic Endeavour began a slow approach to the port of Tallinn, the capitol of the country of Estonia. Our ship had traveled 198 nautical miles west from St. Petersburg, Russia through the Gulf of Finland in calm seas allowing for an early arrival to Estonia. Once the ship was secured at the dock, a gangway was put in position and announcements were made for disembarkation. Our plans would include spending the entire afternoon and evening in Tallinn.
Having finished lunch, our afternoon began with greetings by an extensive and impressive group of Estonian guides and three busses. The first half of our land exploration would take us around the outskirts of Tallinn to see the song festival grounds that were so important to Estonian national unity. Next, our busses brought us into the "Old Town" of Tallinn situated on a hill just behind the port entrance, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1990's. Just next to Old Town is another hill called Toompea and according to the Estonian national epic Ealevigpoeg, Toompea is the grave mound of an ancient Estonian king, Kalev, built of rocks his widow Linda carried to the site in her apron. The grave was nearly complete when a large rock dropped from her apron. Linda sat down on that large rock and burst into tears. Lake Ulemiste, situated on the limestone plateau high above the city directly opposite the present airport, was born of her tears and Linda's Rock can still be seen standing in it near the water's edge.
Our walking tour of Tallinn took us through the old medieval streets of one of the most beautiful cities of the Baltic States. Our destination was a lookout from the top of Toompea, looking down at an array of clay tiled roofs and cobblestone streets. The origins of the city date back to the 13th century, when the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order erected a castle at the site. It developed as a major center of the Hanseatic League, and its past wealth is obvious in the merchant houses and churches still standing after many wars and conflicts ravaged the area.
Probably one of the most impressive sights sits at the top of the upper town in the central square. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Dome Church built between 1894 and 1900. The selection of this building sight was strategic; as it represented a symbol of Russian power in counter balance to the strong German spirit that was ruling at the time, and even today its style clashed with the surrounding neighborhood! We continued our walking trip, visiting several other churches, and stopping for tea at a lovely café, and then walking down Toompea and into the lower part of Tallinn.
From here all groups took an opportunity to enjoy some exploration of old streets, antique shops, long looks at Baltic Amber, the occasional street musician serenading, while we slowly lost ourselves in sights, smells and sounds.
The National Geographic Endeavour would remain in Tallinn until the wee hours of the next morning giving us all a chance to remain for part of an evening in town…the weather was gorgeous, and as we wandered the streets the late day's shadows slowly made their way up the walls of the many colored medieval buildings. Restaurant callers stood outside many establishments, calling their wares…inviting us to enjoy a myriad of different cuisines from around the world.
There was shuttle transportation provided for those of us who lingered over dinner and drinks, and yet another turn around the central square…giving us one last moment to take in just a little of the flavor that makes Estonia unique.
