Tallinn Old Town is a medieval city of towers and fortification remnants, with 1.9 kilometres of its original walls still standing and 20 defensive towers remaining, the city truly retains its antiquated and fable charm. Some of these strongholds that survived were taken part into a newer building or house, while others were preserved, either converted into a museum, turned into a walking rampart or just left on its own as a historical piece of the past to be admired and remembered.
I mentioned in a previous entry what I love about Tallinn here: Tallinn, Estonia: Viru Gate, Hellemann Tower & Town Wall, Katariina Kaik that because it is small, compact and pretty, it is very easy and enjoyable to explore. One late morning, I walked from tower to tower before retiring temporarily for lunch.
Come with me and let us explore the towers and side streets of the northern part of Tallinn Old Town.
Fat Margaret’s Tower
Located at the northern tip of the old town on Pikk Street, Fat Margaret Tower is also home to the Estonian Maritime Museum (website only in Est language). She is pretty, imposing and reeks with history.
The origins of this tower is actually said to be a mystery. Why is it named Fat Margaret? Historians hypothesized that the tower could have been named after the large cannons that were kept in here centuries ago, but the most received suspicion is a story that there was a cook named Margaret who once worked here. Hmm, I like that much better, I think I will buy the story =)
Here is a map of Tallinn Old Town for some orientation. Fat Margaret is on number 13, and we will be taking this tower walk along the surviving fortification of the city (see red line, they are surviving walls and towers) to the direction of 15, 16, 17 and 18.
Here are more lovely design details and pastel coloured architecture on Pikk street below.
Epping and Loewenshede Tower
Websites: Epping Tower | Loewenschede Tower
See 16 and 17 on the map
For 4 euros entrance fee to the Epping Tower you can enjoy six floors of medieval warfare exhibition which includes masonry, arms and armour, history of the bulwarks and many more plus a view from the top.
This is the other Meriton Hotel, The Meriton Old Town Hotel located just a few hundred metres away from the Meriton Old Town ‘Garden’ Hotel where I stayed at. The hotel is said to be built using the foundation of an old tower that was part of the ancient wall defense that once stood here.
The Open-Air Stage Theatre
Website: Linna Teater Lavaauk
Also called, Linna Teatri Lavaauk, this is a performing arts venue, a project that goes back to the Soviet Union days. The plan was to build an open-air theatrical stage but when the iron curtain fell down, the funds went down the drain as well. It has since been constructed and is home to open air stage plays during summer.
Nunne, Sauna and Kudjala Towers
See number 18 on the map
For 1.50 euros you can go up and explore these towers and walk on its connecting ramparts, and catch lovely views of the old city and its direct surroundings as well.
I have no idea what these are but they were nicely and orderly placed on a door.
Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Tallinn, Estonia
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)