The Broken Line, a poignant monument in Tallinn, stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the MS Estonia ferry disaster of 1994, one of the deadliest peacetime maritime tragedies in European history. This catastrophe, surpassed in scale only by the infamous sinkings of the Titanic in 1912 and the Empress of Ireland in 1914, deeply impacted the region and the world.

On September 28, 1994, the Estonia, carrying 989 people (803 passengers and 186 crew members), encountered difficulties due to cargo distribution issues and rough weather while sailing from Tallinn to Stockholm. Around 1 a.m., a loud bang signaled trouble, likely caused by a wave hitting the bow doors. About 15 minutes later, the visor separated from the hull, causing the loading ramp to tear open and rapid flooding. The ship attempted evasive maneuvers but ultimately sank after its engines failed.

The disaster resulted in a devastating loss of life, with only 137 out of 989 people on board being rescued. The remaining 852 perished, and tragically, 757 bodies were never recovered.

In memory of those lost, designers Riho Luuse and Jaan Saar created The Broken Line monument, which was unveiled on the second anniversary of the tragedy. The monument's design, featuring a missing middle section, symbolizes the abrupt cessation of the victims' lives, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. This memorial not only honors those who perished but also serves as a poignant reminder of the maritime disaster's impact on the Estonian community and the world.

If you want to get a chance to really glimpse what life was like in the Old Town of Tallinn, you will want to visit Saint Catherine’s Passage. It is located just a short distance from the Town Hall.

The old passage connects Vene and Muurivahe Streets in town. On the northern end of the passage you will find the remnants of Saint Catherine’s Dominican Monastery Church, which is one of the oldest church in the city. In fact, the passage derives its name from the church. Many people like checking out the old tombstones that are an integral part of the sanctuary there. Many famous Estonians are buried at Saint Catherine’s cemetery.

The southern end of the passage will take you past some of the best artisan shops in Tallinn. You can watch the artists at work. It’s one of the best places to get a memento of your visit to Tallinn. The whole passage is a nice morning’s hike for the exercise alone. If you want to stop for a moment, you will want to get a cup of coffee at one of the quaint little cafes that are scattered down the passage.

Town Hall Square is a fabulous location to soak up the long and storied history of Tallinn. It's in the center of the Old Town. Markets began opening on this site in the 11th century. Tallinn Town Hall is located in this square. Completed in 1404, it's the oldest Town Hall in Northern Europe.

Other historical buildings surround the square. There is the oldest pharmacy in Europe; it was established in approximately 1415. The pharmacy has a small museum with ancient medical instruments and medicines. The rest of the buildings are painted in attractive pastel colors and were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Cobblestones throughout the square complete the old-world charm.

In the center of the square, visitors will find a circular stone with a compass rose. The L-shaped stone near the center of the square marks the site where a priest was executed. The priest killed a waitress who had served an overcooked omelet.

During the summer, the square is filled with open-air cafés. Enjoy alfresco dining and people-watching. There are regular outdoor markets held in Town Hall Square. Stalls feature souvenirs and traditional Estonian items.

You will find varied festivals and concerts throughout the year. Tallinn Old Town Days is a week-long festival that takes place at the beginning of summer. During this popular festival, visitors and locals are treated to exhibitions, theater plays, concerts, fairs, and non-stop entertainment.

In winter, the square becomes a winter wonderland with holiday decorations and a massive decorated fir tree. The Brotherhood of the Blackheads first erected a Christmas tree in the square in 1422. This is thought to be the world's first Christmas tree. Visitors can also enjoy a spirited Christmas market.

Why You Should Visit:
Town Hall Square is the oldest town square in Northern Europe and has been the center of Tallinn for eight centuries. Visit historic buildings and enjoy the old-world ambiance. There's no better place to get the feel of the town and nation than Town Hall Square.

Tips:
This square is incredibly festive over the winter holidays. Have a hot toddy, enjoy the holiday lights, shop for gifts, and admire the Christmas tree.

Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest and only preserved Gothic-style city hall in North Europe. In 2005, the Town Hall was awarded second prize for conservation of Architectural Heritage. Parts of the town hall date to the 13th century. The Town Hall was completed in 1404 and was the center of the town's government for almost 700 years, until 1970. Throughout the centuries, several additions, renovations, and architectural changes have been made.

Tallinn Town Hall was built with limestone. Traditional clay tiles adorn the exterior, which features a 64 meter (210 feet) tall spire that's visible from all over town. Gargoyles decorate the main facade. The Town Hall has an arcade formed with nine arcs and eight pillars. In inclement weather, merchants could gather under the shelter of the arcade. Criminals would be chained to one of the pillars so that townspeople could mock them.

The Town Hall's interior features attractive Gothic arches and works of art spanning the history of Tallinn. Benches were crafted in the 14th and 15th centuries. The largest hall in Town Hall is the Citizens Hall. It can hold up to 100 people and is often used for musical performances.

The Council Chamber features intricate wood carvings dating to 1375. Copies of 16th-century tapestries hang on interior walls. The original tapestries are on display in the Tallinn City Museum.

The Old Thomas weather vane is one of the town's most famous landmarks. The weather vane depicts a soldier who protects the city. Old Thomas was originally placed in 1530. Today, a copy stands on top of the town hall's spire, while the 1530 original is on display in the town hall's basement.

Tallinn regularly hosts concerts and receptions in this historic building. For a great view of the city, bring your camera and climb the tower.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Point, located in Tallinn, is one of the city's most popular and picturesque viewpoints. Perched on Toompea Hill in the heart of Tallinn's historic Old Town, this viewing platform offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It's easily accessible on foot from various parts of the Old Town and is a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring Tallinn's historic center.

The main attraction of Kohtuotsa Viewing Point is the stunning view it provides. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a sweeping vista of Tallinn's Old Town, the modern cityscape, and the picturesque Gulf of Finland. It's particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the city is bathed in warm, golden light.

The viewpoint allows you to spot several iconic landmarks of Tallinn, including the medieval walls and towers of the Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its onion domes, and the spires of Saint Olaf's Church. You'll also have a clear view of the bustling city below and the harbor in the distance.

The viewing point features a raised platform with safety railings, which provides a safe and comfortable place to take in the scenery. It's a popular spot for photography, so be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Point is free to access and is open year-round. The walk to the viewpoint may involve some uphill terrain and steps, but it's generally easy to reach on foot from various parts of the Old Town. It's also conveniently located near other attractions like the Toompea Castle and the Danish King's Garden.

After taking in the views, you can explore the charming streets of Tallinn's Old Town or visit one of the nearby cafes for a coffee or meal. This area is well-known for its cozy and historic dining establishments.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an orthodox cathedral in the Tallinn Old Town. It was built to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn's largest and grandest orthodox cupola cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky who in 1242 won the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus, in the territorial waters of present-day Estonia. The late Russian patriarch, Alexis II, started his priestly ministry in the church.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral crowns the Toompea Hill, the political center of Estonia. The cathedral was built during the period of late 19th century Russification and was so disliked by many Estonians as a symbol of oppression that the Estonian authorities scheduled the cathedral for demolition in 1924, but the decision was never implemented due to lack of funds and the building's massive construction. As the USSR was officially non-religious, many churches including this cathedral were left to decline. The church has been meticulously restored since Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Toompea Hill is a limestone hill that sits about 20-30 meters (65 feet-98 feet) above the rest of the city. In Estonian mythology, Toompea is a grave mound erected by Linda for her husband, King Kalev. Linda sat on the grave mound, shed tears, and formed Ulemiste Lake.

Throughout Tallinn's history, the hill has been the site of various forts built to defend the city. Castle Square is the site where Tallinn was founded by the Knights of the Sword in 1229. Today, the spectacular Russian-style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands in Castle Square.

Toompea is the center of Estonia's government. Parliament meets in the Toompea Castle, which is topped by the Tall Hermann Tower. Tall Hermann was completed in 1371. Tradition dictates that whichever country flies its flag over Tall Hermann rules Estonia. Each day, the Estonian flag is raised at sunrise while the national anthem plays and lowered at sunset to the tune of My Fatherland is My Love.

In 1684, Toompea had a terrible fire, and most of its buildings were damaged. Because of the fire, Toompea has newer buildings than Lower Town and has a different look.

Toomkirik (Dome Church) was built in the 13th century and survived the brutal 1684 fire. Don't miss the medieval coats of arms in this beautiful example of an Estonian Lutheran Church. Toompea Castle was built on the ruins of a fortress built here during the 13th and 14th centuries. The current castle was completed in 1773 and features a pink Baroque facade.

Why You Should Visit:
Toompea has long been the seat of power for the area. The hilltop site has a long history, gorgeous views of Old Town, and exciting architecture.

Tips:
Check out one of the viewing platforms for a panorama of Old Town below and the Gulf of Finland. The view is breathtaking at sunset.

Tallinn Old Town, known as "Tallinna vanalinn" in Estonian, is the historical heart of Tallinn. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Hanseatic architecture, this area is a living testimony to the city's rich history. Spanning 113 hectares with a buffer zone of 2,253 hectares, the Old Town is characterized by its 13th-century city plan, which remains remarkably intact.

The Old Town has a history of prosperity and turmoil. Most buildings date back to the 13th-16th centuries, reflecting its medieval importance. However, WWII caused significant damage. Between 1941-1944, Soviet air raids, during the German occupation of Estonia, destroyed about 10% of Old Town buildings, leaving 20,000 homeless and many casualties.

Despite this turbulent history, Tallinn Old Town stands today as Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval city. Its Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets, and enchanting architecture attract visitors worldwide. The area was once a hub for wealthy merchants from Germany, Denmark, and other regions. Now, it is a vibrant center with restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries, offering a blend of historical ambiance and modern vitality.

The Old Town's unique charm lies in its ability to maintain its medieval and Hanseatic structure completely. Recognized for its historical value and well-preserved state, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city's layout includes original cobblestone streets lined with medieval churches, grand merchant houses, barns, and warehouses, many dating back to the Middle Ages.

Visitors to Tallinn Old Town often describe it as mystical, mesmerizing, and addictive. Spending a day wandering through its streets offers an immersive experience in an authentic medieval milieu, revealing why it holds such a special place in the annals of world heritage sites.

The Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers are three of the remaining 26 towers that surround the Old Town of Tallinn. In the late 14th century, a massive project was started to build a fortified wall around the city to protect against invaders. By the 16th Century, the walls were raised to sixteen meters high with a thickness of 3 to 4 meters. This made it possible to defend against canon fire. During the 16th century, Tallinn was one of the most fortified cities in the entire world. The wall stretched 4 kilometers around old Tallinn.

These three towers are among the few that are still open to the general public. Visitors can come and walk through all three. In addition, there are some connection paths that are adjacent to the historic standing walls. It gives you a real sense of what the old town was like. Climbing the towers also gives you a great view of the city. You can imagine what it was like to be a guard on the towers. Admission is free.

Saint Olav’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tallinn. It was built during the 1100s, and has been the center for religious life for the Scandinavian community of the city since then. Many people that attend here can trace their heritage back to when Denmark conquered Tallinn in 1219. The church is dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway though. The oldest surviving records that refer to the church are from 1267.

There is an old legend that the builder of the church, who was also named Olaf, fell to his death from the towers of the church. It adds mystery to this place. There is a painting depicting the event in the Chapel.

Sadly, the building was damaged during the 1300s, and had to be heavily rebuilt. In the 1500s, the tower of the chapel was raised to 159 meters in the air. It has been struck by lightning many times, but the tower really has a utilitarian function: it is a seaside landmark for naval vessels. From 1549 until 1625, before the tower was burned from a lightning strike, it was the tallest structure in the known world.

During the Soviet era, the KGB used the church’s spire as a radio tower and surveillance point. Today the building now houses a Baptist church.

The tower's viewing platform offers tourists one of the best views of Tallinn, and is open to the public from April through November of each year.