vanalinna

Vanalinn, or the Old Town, is the historic core of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The district sits on two connected levels around Toompea Hill and the lower town, enclosed by medieval city walls and gates. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval street plan, narrow cobblestone lanes, and a dense concentration of Gothic and medieval architecture.

Vanalinn developed as a major Hanseatic trading center from the 13th century onward. The urban fabric reflects its medieval origins, with market squares, merchant houses, churches, and defensive towers arranged along a compact, walkable core. The area preserves a sense of historical continuity, with buildings ranging from late medieval to early modern periods.

Notable landmarks within Vanalinn include the Town Hall on Raekoja plats, a prominent example of 14th–15th century civic architecture; Toompea Castle, which houses the Estonian parliament and government; St. Mary’s Cathedral (Toomkirik) on Toompea; the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; the Kiek in de Kök artillery tower; and the Viru Gate. The surrounding city walls and towers epitomize the medieval fortifications that once protected Tallinn.

UNESCO designation: In 1997, Tallinn’s Historic Centre, including Vanalinn, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding preservation of a medieval urban environment. Today, Vanalinn remains a major cultural and tourist hub, hosting museums, churches, shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals, while preserving its historic atmosphere and architectural integrity.