One of the most beautiful and interesting sights of modern Estonia is Toompea Castle. This ancient fortress was erected in the 13th century on the site of an older wooden fortification. The historical landmark has survived to 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, excursions for tourists are held here, and every traveler can admire the ancient walls.
Legends about the foundation of Toompea
Vyshhorod is the historical center of Tallinn, which is often called the Upper Town. The ancient settlement was founded in an area with a very interesting landscape. This is a hill with cliffs, located at an altitude of 48 meters above sea level. In historical documents, for the first time, a settlement in the area is referred to as Koluvan. Later, the hillfort was called Toompea and was the largest in Estonia. There is a beautiful legend about the local fortress. According to the Estonian folk opus Kalevipoeg, Toompea Castle was built on the resting place of the mythical king Kalev. When the ruler passed away, his wife Linda grieved for a long time. The tsarina buried her beloved wife on a hill and piled a mound of large stones over the grave, which later became a fortified city.
The true story of the fortress
By the beginning of the 13th century, Toompea is the largest city in Estonia. The upper city at that time was surrounded by wooden walls with towers in the corners. At the foot of the castle, peasants, farmers and artisans began to settle, and shopping arcades formed. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered a major shopping center, since there was a seaport nearby. In 1219, a wooden fortress, and subsequently the whole of Estonia, 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 actively rebuild and strengthen.
Historians agree that Waldemar II managed to build only a reliable wooden fortress. Already in 1227, Denmark lost its power over Estonia, the northern lands of the state were captured by the Order of the Swordsmen. After 10 years, 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 Toompea Castle and the surrounding 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 known that the famous tower "Long Herman" was built by the knights of the Livonian Order.
Castle architecture
Toompea Castle (Tallinn) in plan is an almost regular quadrangle. The fortification is fortified with four towers located in the corners. The most famous of them is “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. The flag of Estonia is set on the last open tier of the Long German . Some time later, other towers were erected: Stur-den-Curl (Reflect the Enemy), Pilstique (Arrow Grinder) and Landskrone (Crown of the Earth). Additionally, the fortress was protected by a deep moat.
Toompea Castle (Tallinn) today
In the 16th century, after the Livonian war, the Estonian lands were occupied by the Swedes. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered to be “unfashionable” and obsolete as a defensive object. For this reason, the fortress does not receive due attention. At the beginning of the 18th century, Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. During the reign of Catherine II, the castle began to be rebuilt to house 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 a historical landmark 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 an excursion?
An unforgivable mistake is to go to Tallinn and not see the Toompea Fortress with your own eyes. This is one of the main symbols of Estonia, as well as a castle that is better preserved than others in the region. Tourists like to admire the panoramas with the fortress and take pictures on the background of ancient towers. Many vacationers are interested, but is it possible to get inside? Despite the modern purpose of the fortress, excursions are indeed carried out. Recording should be done well in advance. Toompea Castle (Tallinn) has an operating mode not like a regular 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 apply 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 from the outside, be sure to admire it from the west.