Tallinn
Historical Background

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Tallinn began its living approximately in the 10th century. As ancient Estonians were seeking for a suitable trading place around the Gulf of Finland, they came across the spot where Tallinn now stands. The limestone castle was built for protection, just near the sea. The place is now known as Toompea. In 1219 Northern Estonia was conquered by the Danes led by King Waldemar II, who later established a stone castle at Toompea. This then grew to a multinational town.

Throughout the Danish period (1219-1346) behind the town wall a network of streets was formed and the town hall, the guild house, churches and convents, warehouses and defense buildings were erected. The city’s big coat of arms, with three lions against the golden background, comes from the Danish royal coat of arms. The small one, with the white Latin cross on the red background, comes from the Danish national flag the Dannebrog, which according to the legend fell from the sky during the battle for the castle.

Tallinn was founded in 1219, before the stone houses were wooden ones, though there is little said about it. Tallinn has been ruled by the Danish, The Livonian Order, and Russians. Around 1857 the town started to grow industrial-wise. Large factories were built in the end of the 19th and in the beginning of the 20th century and their production was exported to Russia. Tallinn became one of the most important ports. The Russian influence can be seen in the town’s architecture. Kadriorg Palace and park ensemble, the building of the Provincial Government of Estonia at Toompea, as well as several churches, theater buildings, banks and schools–all represent the luxurious Russian czarist influence.

In 1920 Tallinn became the capital of now independent Republic of Estonia. This lasted for 20 years. During this period the most beautiful buildings were created. Later the Soviet order was established in the city. During the World War II more than 50% of Tallinn’s residential buildings and 11% of Old Town were destroyed by bombing attacks.

On August 20, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Estonia declared the re-establishment of independence of Estonia on the basis of legal consequence. On May 1 2004 Estonia joined the EU.