Tallinn, Capital city on Gulf of Finland, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia on the Gulf of Finland, where stone towers and medieval walls encircle the Old Town. Town Hall Square forms the center, with narrow lanes running between old merchant houses and church spires.
Danish conquerors built a fortress on Toompea Hill in 1219, which later became a major Hanseatic trading post under German rule. After centuries under Swedish and Russian control, the city regained independence in 1991.
In the Old Town, cafés fill with locals enjoying coffee in the late morning while choirs rehearse in medieval churches for performances. Many residents spend evenings in Rotermann Quarter, a former industrial district now home to restaurants and cultural spaces.
The Old Town is best explored on foot, as cobblestones and narrow lanes exclude cars and buses. Trams and buses connect modern districts to the historic center, with main stops clearly marked.
Below Town Hall Square run medieval passages that merchants and craftsmen once used for storing goods. These underground chambers remain cool year-round and now host occasional exhibitions.
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