Tallinn is Estonia's capital city and the largest city in that country. Habitation dates back thousands of years and was known by many names until 1219 when Denmark invaded and called it Revan. It was strategially placed between Western and Souther Europe and Russia and was an important trade center. Teutonic Knights and the Hansiatic League aggressively Christianized the region and it remained under Hansiatic rule until 1571 when Sweden took over. After a bad plague it went to Russian rule from 1710 until 1918 when it became independent and renamed Tallinn, with Imperial German help. During WW2 it was taken over by the Soviet Union until 1991 when they again gained independence.
The lower part of the city was the "city of the people" and was the center of trade. It was also never sacked or pillaged and retains most of its old buildings and was a main reason for coming here. It is also a walled city.
The main North Gate with Fat Margret tower on the left.
This street was the main merchant's street. These were 15th century homes and warehouses. Note the wooden crane posts sticking out above the fourth floor.
The towers and gate on the West wall are thick stone of different styles.
Some streets are thin while this one is very wide.
Outside the wall to the West is a park with various garden and art displays.
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