A Walk Around The Medieval City Walls Of Tallinn, Tallinn, Estonia

The Old Town of Tallinn is one of those places where the past is all around you, its red-roofed skyline and narrow lanes transporting you straight back to the Middle Ages. One of the most striking reminders of this long history is the network of walls, walkways and towers that once enclosed the settlement. Although the city walls of Tallinn are not fully intact, enough remains for visitors to follow the circuit around the town, walk along ancient fortifications, and climb tall towers in search of panoramic views.

Tallinn is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city walls are a part of this story, with origins stretching back to 1265. At this point the area was controlled by the Danes, who built the first fortifications. These were gradually enlarged and extended during the 14th century. By the height of the Hanseatic period, Tallinn had become one of the best protected cities on the Baltic Sea, guarded by a formidable system of walls, defensive towers and gates.

These fortifications continued to evolve well into the early modern period. As artillery became more powerful, earth-filled bastions were added in the 17th century, creating a complex defensive system that combined medieval stonework with contemporary military engineering. Much of this later work survives in the form of grassy ramparts and underground tunnels. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).