The Medival City,Tallin, Estonia

To Visit Tallin is to go back in time, a truly medieval city.  Our three hour walking tour took us through the fairytale streets, and finished with a concert in a historic house.  Our guide was quite the General shouting orders and keeping everyone in line.We started at the upper part of the city at Toompea Castle built 1219, (nearly three quarters of the walls still stand) offering a fascinating view of medieval rooftops,cobblestone streets, graceful spires and turreted towers.  A gun tower from 1475 has stones and cannonballs embedded in the walls. Tallin's turbulent history includes fighting the Vikings in 9th to 11th century to serving many masters including Danish, Swedish, German and Russian.  Tallin has had independence for only twenty years.  The 1232 Cathedral is amazing with tombs, carved baroqued style pupit.  The Russified Castle Square is always full of people.  The gate erected to segregate the 'High" feudel Lords from the "low" townspeople still stands.  Everynight at 9:p.m. the gate shut to separate the two factions.   The churches were impressive with Church of St. Alexander, St. Mary's Cathedral, House of Estonia Knighthoods, Church of the Holy Spirit.  Pharmacy Lane and Catherine's passage were lined with handicrafts, outdoors cafes, and boutiques.   It is a truly amazing little city that       I am happy to have the opportunity to see.  We enjoyed good weather but the shopping and restaurants didn't appeal to us.  There were lots of sweaters and knitted garments available.  Back to the ship and a very scenic departure.