About Tallinn
The old city of Tallinn dates back to medieval times and remains one of the finest preserved historical cities in the world. It has managed to escape significant war damage throughout it's long history and remained virtually untouched during most of the twentieth century while so many other European cities were being spoiled in the spirit of progress.

Still, Tallinn is no forgotten 'ghost town', quite the opposite in fact.
Since regaining independence in 1991, Estonia's favourable location in the Baltic and it's reputation for being a most trustworthy nation has made it the irresistible investment opportunity for nearby Scandinavian country's. Inside the fortified walls of the old city there has been a respectful reawakening with fabulous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, galleries, gift shops and hotels prospering within sympathetically restored historic buildings. Within a short walk are the immaculate promenades, department stores and business centres of the new city demonstrating the serious level of recent investment in this country. The new city of Tallinn is no concrete jungle as many historic buildings are still preserved like the 1648 church of St John's Almshouse which neighbours Uhispank's breathtaking mirrored skyscraper.

 

 

Much of the remains of the city's long buried ancient perimeter wall has been exposed and preserved for display behind glass on the walkway to Stockmann. Maakri which connects the rear of Radisson and Stockmann is a charming and recently restored street of 1930's traditional Estonian wooden buildings. Tartu mnt 16 itself is built on the site of a late 19th century hospital and though this attractive building was beyond economical repair it's limestone facade has been resurrected against the new structure. The story of it's reconstruction is featured in St John's Almshouse Musuem.


Tartu mnt 16 is the building between Uhisphank and the tall spire of the Niguliste Church

Value for money

It seems almost disrespectful to recommend a city as beautiful as Tallinn by it's inexpensive prices but this aspect cannot be ignored. Since independence Estonia has worked hard providing quality products and services competitively to Europe and it has become an impressive economic success story. Bars, restaurants, taxis etc are considerably cheaper than most other European destinations yet standards are remarkably high.


Characterful & historic rear entrance to the apartments at Tartu mnt 16.