Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, dates back about 800 years when the Danes took over the area. Tallinn went on to become a major trading center as part of the Hanseatic League.

Tallinn's historic city center is one of the best preserved fortified medieval cities in Europe. The city walls once featured more than 60 towers; surviving segments of the wall include about two dozen towers.

The Upper Town - Toompea - is home to the castle and cathedral, and has historically been home to the government. The plazas and winding streets of the Lower Town include the historic town hall, churches, museums and a number of shops and restaurants.

Tallinn's Historic Centre (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Photos (in order)

E18A2025 - Viru Gate leads into the historic Centre toward the historic town hall

E18A1904 - The historic town hall on Town Hall Square now houses a museum

E18A1896 - Town Hall Square; during cruise ship season this area is packed with tourists for much of the day

E18A1761 - A segment of the city wall and some of Tallinn's historic towers in Towers Square

E18A1675 - View of Lower Town, some of the city wall towers and the St. Olaf's Church tower from the Upper Town's (Toompea's) Patkuli Viewing Platform

E18A1642 - Toompea Castle as it appears today largely dates back to the 13th century, although parts of it may be older; Toompea Castle is now home to the Estonian Parliament

E18A1603 - The Danish King's Garden in Toompea; according to legend, as Danish forces were attempting to take Toompea, a flag fell from the sky, which the Dane's believed shifted the fight in favor of the Dane's; that flag is now the national flag of Denmark

E18A1611 - Kik in de Kok tower is home to a fortification museum and features views of the Kanish King's Garden and Lower Town

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