One of the most beautiful and interestingThe sights of modern Estonia are Toompea Castle. This ancient fortress was built in the XIII century on the site of a more ancient wooden fortification. Historic landmark reached our days in very good condition. Today the castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, its premises continue to be used for state needs. Periodically there are guided tours for tourists, and every traveler can admire the ancient fortress walls.
Legends about the founding of Toompea
Vyshgorod is the historical center of Tallinn, whichoften referred to as the Upper Town. The ancient settlement was founded in an area with a very interesting landscape. This is a hill with slopes, cliffs, located at an altitude of 48 meters above sea level. For the first time in historical documents, a settlement in a given area is referred to as Koluvan. Later the settlement was called Toompea and was the largest in Estland. There is a beautiful legend about the local fortress. According to the Estonian national opus Kalevipoeg, Toompea Castle is built at the resting place of the mythical king Kalev. When the ruler passed away, his wife Linda grieved for a long time. The queen buried her beloved spouse on a hill and laid a mound of large stones over the grave, which later became a fortress city.
True history of the fortress
By the beginning of the XIII century Toompea is the largest cityin Estland. The upper city at that time was surrounded by wooden walls with towers in the corners. At the foot of the castle began to settle peasants, farmers and artisans, formed stalls. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered a major trading center, as the seaport was located nearby. In 1219 the wooden fortress, and subsequently the whole of Estland, was captured by King Waldemar II (Denmark). The conqueror immediately appreciated the strategic importance of Toompea. By order of the new king, the fortress began to be actively rebuilt and strengthened.
Historians agree that Waldemar IImanaged to build only a reliable wooden fortress. Already in 1227 Denmark lost its power over Estonia, the northern lands of the state were seized by the Order of the Sword. 10 years later, at the direction of the Pope, the colony was again transferred to the Danish kingdom. Denmark in 1346 decided to sell the land to the Teutonic Order, which very soon resold the Toompea Castle and the adjacent territories to the Livonian Order. Each owner sought to rebuild the fortress. It is believed that the fortification acquired its modern appearance at the beginning of the 15th century. It is precisely known that the famous tower of the Livonian Order built the famous tower “Long Hermann”.
Castle architecture
Toompea Castle (Tallinn) in the plan representsalmost regular quadrangle. The fortifications are fastened with four towers located at the corners. The most famous of them - "Long Herman" ("Long Warrior"). The tower was built at the end of the XIV century, and later built on. Today, its height is 48 meters. On the last open tier of the "Long Herman" flag of Estonia. Some time later, other towers were erected: “Stjur-den-Kerl” (“Reflect the enemy”), “Pilšticke” (“Arrow grinder”) and “Landskrona” (“Crown of the earth”). Additionally, the fortress was protected by a deep moat.
Toompea Castle (Tallinn) today
In the XVI century, after the Livonian War, Estonianland occupied by the Swedes. At that time, Toompea Castle is considered to be unfashionable and outdated as a defensive object. For this reason, the fortress does not receive due attention. At the beginning of the XVIII century, Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. During the reign of Catherine II, the castle began to be rebuilt to accommodate the government. During the work, part of the wall and one of the 4 towers were demolished. It is in this state that the castle can be observed today. In 1997, the fortress officially received the status of historic sites and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today Toompea Castle (Tallinn, address: Toompea Hill, Upper Town) is the official seat of parliament.
How to get on the tour?
Unforgivable mistake - go to Tallinn and notsee with your own eyes the fortress of Toompea. This is one of the main symbols of Estonia, as well as the castle, which is better preserved than others in the region. Tourists like to admire the panorama with the fortress and be photographed against the backdrop of ancient towers. Many tourists are interested, but is it possible to get inside? Despite the modern purpose of the fortress, tours are really conducted. It should be recorded in advance. Toompea Castle (Tallinn) has a mode of operation that is not like an ordinary museum. The fortress can be visited only as part of an organized group (from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm), if you submit an application 5-10 days before the desired date of visit. Contact a specialized travel agency and book an excursion. If you want to see the castle only outside, be sure to admire it from the west side.
