Tallinn ranks as one of Northern Europe's finest medieval Old Towns. It's easy to feel like you've stepped back in time as you stroll its cobbled streets and weave past splendid red-roofed buildings. In its regal walled Upper Town on Toompea, or Dome Hill, church and state constructed beautiful government edifices and colossal cathedrals. The Lower Town is a charming maze of squares, gabled houses and churches. Estonia's most pivotal moment unfolded at the nearby Song Festival Grounds where 300,000 citizens rose up and sang against Soviet rule. This Singing Revolution was waged--and won in 1988--without a drop of blood. There's more to sing about at the local confectioners' shops, offering all manner and shape of delicious marzipan.
It was COLD but sunny and we did a 4 hour walking tour of the Upper and Lower towns. Beautifully restored, it offered us many amazing photos. One of our favourite stops!
The wall around the Upper Town.
Another beautiful domed church.
The Lower Town
Chocolate and marzipan shop.
It was a quick stop here as we had to leave at 3:30 in order to arrive in St. Petersburg in the morning. This is another very poor country and if we had more time would have been great to explore. They had beautiful wooden crafts, furs and clothing. They were smart when they joined the Euro Zone and are part of NATO. SKYPE was developed in Tallinn and it boasts a strong tech industry.
All for now -- love to all
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