Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is the  best-preserved medieval town in northern Europe,  
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is the  best-preserved medieval town in northern Europe,  

according to UNESCO, which has designated it a  World Heritage Site. They describe Tallinn as  
according to UNESCO, which has designated it a  World Heritage Site. They describe Tallinn as  

"a system of walls, fortifications and authentic  buildings, constituting an urban structure formed  
"a system of walls, fortifications and authentic  buildings, constituting an urban structure formed  

in the 13th and 14th centuries." The place  you will spend more time at than any other  
in the 13th and 14th centuries." The place  you will spend more time at than any other  

part of Tallinn is the major marketplace of  the Town Hall Square. It's tremendous fun. The  
part of Tallinn is the major marketplace of  the Town Hall Square. It's tremendous fun. The  

marketplace is filled with many dozens of craft  booths selling handmade goods. There's food for  
marketplace is filled with many dozens of craft  booths selling handmade goods. There's food for  

sale and restaurants all around. This happens  pretty much every day throughout the summer.  
sale and restaurants all around. This happens  pretty much every day throughout the summer.  

This is the busiest place in town, surrounded by  some of the finest architecture, housing, shops,  
This is the busiest place in town, surrounded by  some of the finest architecture, housing, shops,  

and outdoor restaurants, and beer halls, and  the great collection of market kiosks in the  
and outdoor restaurants, and beer halls, and  the great collection of market kiosks in the  

center of the square. The City Hall is one of the  oldest town halls in Europe and dates back to the  
center of the square. The City Hall is one of the  oldest town halls in Europe and dates back to the  

beginning of the 15th century. It was a place  where the magistrates and mayor would be. Now  
beginning of the 15th century. It was a place  where the magistrates and mayor would be. Now  

it's a museum with an outdoor restaurant. We  happened to be here at a lucky time in early  
it's a museum with an outdoor restaurant. We  happened to be here at a lucky time in early  

July at a festival called Old Town Days,  with costumed performers and live music  
July at a festival called Old Town Days,  with costumed performers and live music  

from a stage. We'll show you more music,  craft booths and festivities later in the  
from a stage. We'll show you more music,  craft booths and festivities later in the  

program. (music) Now we're going to take you on  a walking tour of the main lanes and side alleys.  
program. (music) Now we're going to take you on  a walking tour of the main lanes and side alleys.  

The Old Town is relatively small, just one  kilometer from one end to the other, but there are  
The Old Town is relatively small, just one  kilometer from one end to the other, but there are  

so many interesting sights packed in here, your  visit will be filled with rewarding experiences.   
so many interesting sights packed in here, your  visit will be filled with rewarding experiences.   

While tourism has become a major part of the  economy, with a million foreign visitors coming  
While tourism has become a major part of the  economy, with a million foreign visitors coming  

in every year, it is still much less crowded  and much less visited than other major cities  
in every year, it is still much less crowded  and much less visited than other major cities  

of Europe. Visitor numbers will certainly be  increasing exponentially because it is such an  
of Europe. Visitor numbers will certainly be  increasing exponentially because it is such an  

attractive destination. So this is a good time to  go, before the massive crowds arrived. This video  
attractive destination. So this is a good time to  go, before the massive crowds arrived. This video  

was photographed in July when the weather  was beautiful and it was not too crowded.  
was photographed in July when the weather  was beautiful and it was not too crowded.  

The excellent preservation of this medieval  architecture is a result of about three major  
The excellent preservation of this medieval  architecture is a result of about three major  

factors. Well, during the 13th and 14th centuries,  it became a very important trading center,  
factors. Well, during the 13th and 14th centuries,  it became a very important trading center,  

part of the Hanseatic League. And therefore, these  buildings were constructed and built up in a grand  
part of the Hanseatic League. And therefore, these  buildings were constructed and built up in a grand  

style befitting the wealth of this community. But  after a few hundred years of trade and expansion,  
style befitting the wealth of this community. But  after a few hundred years of trade and expansion,  

the prosperity tapered off. The trade moved  to other places, and Tallinn was sort of left  
the prosperity tapered off. The trade moved  to other places, and Tallinn was sort of left  

behind in the wake of history. And then in the  20th century, it was occupied by Russia. Estonia  
behind in the wake of history. And then in the  20th century, it was occupied by Russia. Estonia  

was controlled by the Soviets for much of the 20th  century, but that communist government never did  
was controlled by the Soviets for much of the 20th  century, but that communist government never did  

much damage here. It's Fortunately, they did  not have any money to knock down old buildings  
much damage here. It's Fortunately, they did  not have any money to knock down old buildings  

and put up new buildings. And so because of that,  Tallinn was just sort of left alone, perhaps even  
and put up new buildings. And so because of that,  Tallinn was just sort of left alone, perhaps even  

neglected. But happily for the visitor and for  the people of Estonia, it survived as a great  
neglected. But happily for the visitor and for  the people of Estonia, it survived as a great  

symbol of their national pride. Another reason  why it does not get too crowded with tourists  
symbol of their national pride. Another reason  why it does not get too crowded with tourists  

is that Tallinn is a little bit further away from  the center of normal European travels. After all,  
is that Tallinn is a little bit further away from  the center of normal European travels. After all,  

we're at the northern fringe of Europe. Estonia  is not right next to any other major tourist  
we're at the northern fringe of Europe. Estonia  is not right next to any other major tourist  

countries. It's up there in the Baltics by  Lithuania and Latvia and across the Baltic Sea,  
countries. It's up there in the Baltics by  Lithuania and Latvia and across the Baltic Sea,  

you find Helsinki, Finland, which is where we  came from. More about that later. So Talon's  
you find Helsinki, Finland, which is where we  came from. More about that later. So Talon's  

physical isolation makes it somewhat of an  untouched gem -- very much worth visiting.   
physical isolation makes it somewhat of an  untouched gem -- very much worth visiting.   

The buildings date back to the 13th-century, 14th  and 15th centuries, and some a little bit later  
The buildings date back to the 13th-century, 14th  and 15th centuries, and some a little bit later  

in the Renaissance and the Baroque, yet with  practically no modern buildings. And most of  
in the Renaissance and the Baroque, yet with  practically no modern buildings. And most of  

the shops are independent type boutiques -- very  few of the big chain stores here in the Old Town.  
the shops are independent type boutiques -- very  few of the big chain stores here in the Old Town.  

As you walk along and look down side lanes, you  occasionally see parts of the medieval wall,  
As you walk along and look down side lanes, you  occasionally see parts of the medieval wall,  

another reminder of the antiquity of this town  that we're walking through. The Old Town is  
another reminder of the antiquity of this town  that we're walking through. The Old Town is  

special because it consists of two parts, the  Upper Town and Lower Town. That Upper Town has  
special because it consists of two parts, the  Upper Town and Lower Town. That Upper Town has  

always been a residence and workplace for the  bureaucrats and the ministers, while the Lower  
always been a residence and workplace for the  bureaucrats and the ministers, while the Lower  

Town has always been for the ordinary common  people. Tallinn is really quite easy to see in  
Town has always been for the ordinary common  people. Tallinn is really quite easy to see in  

a day because it is not all that large. You could  walk from one end to the other in 30 minutes.  
a day because it is not all that large. You could  walk from one end to the other in 30 minutes.  

There are approximately 500 building complexes in  the town, all of them old, and the streets are for  
There are approximately 500 building complexes in  the town, all of them old, and the streets are for  

pedestrians, by and large, there are signs to help  you out and the pedestrian zone is quite easy to  
pedestrians, by and large, there are signs to help  you out and the pedestrian zone is quite easy to  

navigate. Since Tallinn is a bit remote, way up  here in northern Europe, it's a slight challenge  
navigate. Since Tallinn is a bit remote, way up  here in northern Europe, it's a slight challenge  

to get here. Of course, you can fly, for example,  from Berlin, it's about a two hour flight, so  
to get here. Of course, you can fly, for example,  from Berlin, it's about a two hour flight, so  

that's easy. But ground transportation is somewhat  more difficult. One of the most popular options is  
that's easy. But ground transportation is somewhat  more difficult. One of the most popular options is  

coming to Tallinn on a short cruise from Helsinki,  a 90-minute boat ride across the Gulf of Finland.  
coming to Tallinn on a short cruise from Helsinki,  a 90-minute boat ride across the Gulf of Finland.  

The ship is quite comfortable with open decks,  you can walk around, there's restaurants on  
The ship is quite comfortable with open decks,  you can walk around, there's restaurants on  

board. You could have a simple snack or one of  those elaborate buffet meals. Maybe use some of  
board. You could have a simple snack or one of  those elaborate buffet meals. Maybe use some of  

your French fries to feed the seagulls hovering  around. (Dennis) "On board the ship, it's a lot  
your French fries to feed the seagulls hovering  around. (Dennis) "On board the ship, it's a lot  

of fun. There's restaurants, there's lounges,  there's shopping, there's nice, comfortable  
of fun. There's restaurants, there's lounges,  there's shopping, there's nice, comfortable  

seating." You could get a private state room if  you like, but it's just a 90-minute ride and the  
seating." You could get a private state room if  you like, but it's just a 90-minute ride and the  

public lounges and decks are quite comfortable as  you walk around and explore the ship. When you get  
public lounges and decks are quite comfortable as  you walk around and explore the ship. When you get  

to Tallinn, it's an easy ten or 15 minute walk to  the Old Town. If you're traveling with luggage,  
to Tallinn, it's an easy ten or 15 minute walk to  the Old Town. If you're traveling with luggage,  

you can check it in a secure room at the  Tallinn arrival building. And then, as we did,  
you can check it in a secure room at the  Tallinn arrival building. And then, as we did,  

spend the day walking around in Tallinn, then  take a boat back to Helsinki. Or better yet,  
spend the day walking around in Tallinn, then  take a boat back to Helsinki. Or better yet,  

take an overnight boat to Stockholm -- makes a  wonderful package. It's an easy stroll from the  
take an overnight boat to Stockholm -- makes a  wonderful package. It's an easy stroll from the  

marine terminal over to the old town, crossing  the street and through a little park area. Just  
marine terminal over to the old town, crossing  the street and through a little park area. Just  

watch out for the trams going by on this busy  road, so be sure to use a crosswalk. One of the  
watch out for the trams going by on this busy  road, so be sure to use a crosswalk. One of the  

first sights that you'll see approaching from  the waterfront into town is Fat Margaret Tower,  
first sights that you'll see approaching from  the waterfront into town is Fat Margaret Tower,  

built in the early 16th-century, rising 25 meters  high with walls that are five meters thick. It  
built in the early 16th-century, rising 25 meters  high with walls that are five meters thick. It  

would have been a very impressive and intimidating  sight for anybody approaching the town.  
would have been a very impressive and intimidating  sight for anybody approaching the town.  

The Great Coastal Gate is the most important  entrance of the six remaining gates in the  
The Great Coastal Gate is the most important  entrance of the six remaining gates in the  

old city wall system. It was the main route for  traffic entering the town from the port heading  
old city wall system. It was the main route for  traffic entering the town from the port heading  

for the market square, first mentioned as far back  as 1359. It's the perfect way to enter town. It's  
for the market square, first mentioned as far back  as 1359. It's the perfect way to enter town. It's  

like entering a time machine, right into the main  street of Tallinn called Pikk Street. This is the  
like entering a time machine, right into the main  street of Tallinn called Pikk Street. This is the  

longest street in town, so it's called the Long  Leg because it's the main connection between the  
longest street in town, so it's called the Long  Leg because it's the main connection between the  

upper town and the Lower Town, leading all the way  to that Great Coastal Gate, about one kilometer  
upper town and the Lower Town, leading all the way  to that Great Coastal Gate, about one kilometer  

total length. Tallinn has a few gentle hills,  creating an interesting topography where you get  
total length. Tallinn has a few gentle hills,  creating an interesting topography where you get  

some intersections of streets going high and low.  One of the first of the impressive historic sites  
some intersections of streets going high and low.  One of the first of the impressive historic sites  

you come upon on Pikk Street is three connected  houses called The Three Sisters. These are  
you come upon on Pikk Street is three connected  houses called The Three Sisters. These are  

typical examples of what the dwellings of wealthy  merchants would look like in the Middle Ages.   
typical examples of what the dwellings of wealthy  merchants would look like in the Middle Ages.   

Tallinn has always depended on merchants for its  prosperity, and in this street we find many of the  
Tallinn has always depended on merchants for its  prosperity, and in this street we find many of the  

guild houses. They were the headquarters  of the various merchant organizations.   
guild houses. They were the headquarters  of the various merchant organizations.   

This elaborate facade and beautiful doorway  leads to one of the most interesting of  
This elaborate facade and beautiful doorway  leads to one of the most interesting of  

the guild houses. We're in the house of the  Brotherhood of Blackheads, and you see here  
the guild houses. We're in the house of the  Brotherhood of Blackheads, and you see here  

a gothic guild hall. This would have been the  principal meeting room inside the Guild Hall,  
a gothic guild hall. This would have been the  principal meeting room inside the Guild Hall,  

thus the name. And you see the typical Gothic  vaulted arches behind me here. There was a  
thus the name. And you see the typical Gothic  vaulted arches behind me here. There was a  

organization of young single merchants, so you can  imagine they would have a lot of parties in here,  
organization of young single merchants, so you can  imagine they would have a lot of parties in here,  

as well as doing a lot of business inside. It  was very much a combination of a social gathering  
as well as doing a lot of business inside. It  was very much a combination of a social gathering  

place as well as a center of business and trade,  a place where apprentices would learn the various  
place as well as a center of business and trade,  a place where apprentices would learn the various  

kinds of functions. And the guild was really an  important organization in the medieval society.  
kinds of functions. And the guild was really an  important organization in the medieval society.  

The Brotherhood of the Black Heads is  most famous for its little door outside,  
The Brotherhood of the Black Heads is  most famous for its little door outside,  

which is highly decorated in the Renaissance  style and has a picture of a fellow who looks  
which is highly decorated in the Renaissance  style and has a picture of a fellow who looks  

very dark. He was a moor, he was the patron  saint of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads.   
very dark. He was a moor, he was the patron  saint of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads.   

Admission is free and it's open every day unless  there is a function going on inside. So by all  
Admission is free and it's open every day unless  there is a function going on inside. So by all  

means, step in and enjoy this guild house.  We'll come back to this Pikk Street later,  
means, step in and enjoy this guild house.  We'll come back to this Pikk Street later,  

but there's another lane that's parallel, that's  just to attractive called Lai. St Olav's Church  
but there's another lane that's parallel, that's  just to attractive called Lai. St Olav's Church  

is claimed to have been the highest church in  Europe, and there are some who claim it was the  
is claimed to have been the highest church in  Europe, and there are some who claim it was the  

world's tallest building in the late 16th century.  They say its height was 200 meters, but lightning  
world's tallest building in the late 16th century.  They say its height was 200 meters, but lightning  

has struck at numerous times and the height's been  reduced now to 125 meters. It's a Lutheran church,  
has struck at numerous times and the height's been  reduced now to 125 meters. It's a Lutheran church,  

but not very active with services. The Tallinn  City Theater has been operating in these old  
but not very active with services. The Tallinn  City Theater has been operating in these old  

buildings since 1965 with three different theater  halls. Some parts of this street can get quite  
buildings since 1965 with three different theater  halls. Some parts of this street can get quite  

busy with motor vehicle traffic, but there are  various side lanes leading off from it that  
busy with motor vehicle traffic, but there are  various side lanes leading off from it that  

are very quiet and sometimes lead you through  buildings in a tunnel. If you'd like to stay  
are very quiet and sometimes lead you through  buildings in a tunnel. If you'd like to stay  

here for a couple of nights, you might consider  the Meriton Old Town Hotel right here on Lai,  
here for a couple of nights, you might consider  the Meriton Old Town Hotel right here on Lai,  

located just 200 meters from Old Town square.  Wander through the nearby little lanes,  
located just 200 meters from Old Town square.  Wander through the nearby little lanes,  

and you will soon come upon a section of the  wall that you can actually walk on for free.  
and you will soon come upon a section of the  wall that you can actually walk on for free.  

The oldest sections of Tallinn's city  wall were built in the 13th-century.   
The oldest sections of Tallinn's city  wall were built in the 13th-century.   

During the next 300 years, it became one of  the largest and strongest defense systems in  
During the next 300 years, it became one of  the largest and strongest defense systems in  

all of northern Europe. More than half of the  magnificent defense system has been preserved,  
all of northern Europe. More than half of the  magnificent defense system has been preserved,  

which includes nearly two kilometers of the  wall, 26 defensive towers and two major gates.  
which includes nearly two kilometers of the  wall, 26 defensive towers and two major gates.  

It would be very easy to miss this wall-climbing  adventure, so be sure to look for it. It's right  
It would be very easy to miss this wall-climbing  adventure, so be sure to look for it. It's right  

here in the center of town. And if you  like, you can climb higher, right up to  
here in the center of town. And if you  like, you can climb higher, right up to  

the top of one of the towers from which you get  a beautiful view looking out over the town.   
the top of one of the towers from which you get  a beautiful view looking out over the town.   

To get the best views of the old town, you need  to do a little walking uphill to the upper town,  
To get the best views of the old town, you need  to do a little walking uphill to the upper town,  

400 meters from that wall walk. One way to reach  the Upper Town is walking through that fortified  
400 meters from that wall walk. One way to reach  the Upper Town is walking through that fortified  

gateway that was part of the barrier between the  upper and lower towns, on an extension of Long  
gateway that was part of the barrier between the  upper and lower towns, on an extension of Long  

Leg street, the main street of town. Artists are  displaying their paintings, and here some young  
Leg street, the main street of town. Artists are  displaying their paintings, and here some young  

gals selling postcards and the Tallinn Card, the  discount card. While the Lower Town is the most  
gals selling postcards and the Tallinn Card, the  discount card. While the Lower Town is the most  

captivating and charming part of Tallinn, you want  to be sure to go to the Upper Town, which was for  
captivating and charming part of Tallinn, you want  to be sure to go to the Upper Town, which was for  

the upper classes, has some very large, impressive  palaces and a wonderful viewpoint looking down  
the upper classes, has some very large, impressive  palaces and a wonderful viewpoint looking down  

on the Lower Town. The Upper Town is relatively  small, just about 15 acres, while the Lower Town  
on the Lower Town. The Upper Town is relatively  small, just about 15 acres, while the Lower Town  

is four times larger. The streets were laid out  as far back as the 13th century, and they still  
is four times larger. The streets were laid out  as far back as the 13th century, and they still  

have the same basic pattern today. This elaborate  church is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. That  
have the same basic pattern today. This elaborate  church is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. That  

was the last building erected in the upper town in  1900, built in the Russian style of architecture,  
was the last building erected in the upper town in  1900, built in the Russian style of architecture,  

reminiscent of the 16th- and 17th-centuries  with large wooden front doors that were made  
reminiscent of the 16th- and 17th-centuries  with large wooden front doors that were made  

in the Ukraine. The cathedral has five domes  shaped in a traditional onion cupola style,  
in the Ukraine. The cathedral has five domes  shaped in a traditional onion cupola style,  

with the main dome symbolizing Jesus and  the other domes representing his disciples.   
with the main dome symbolizing Jesus and  the other domes representing his disciples.   

The pink palace is the Parliament building with  101 members who are elected every four years.  
The pink palace is the Parliament building with  101 members who are elected every four years.  

St Mary's Cathedral, also called the Dome Church,  is located in the heart of the Upper Town, and  
St Mary's Cathedral, also called the Dome Church,  is located in the heart of the Upper Town, and  

it's the oldest church in Tallinn, built in the  early 13th century. But then in 1684, a great fire  
it's the oldest church in Tallinn, built in the  early 13th century. But then in 1684, a great fire  

took place and the building was reconstructed in  limestone, which is the most available material in  
took place and the building was reconstructed in  limestone, which is the most available material in  

Estonia, the national stone. It's still functional  as an active church and has a congregation of  
Estonia, the national stone. It's still functional  as an active church and has a congregation of  

about 300 people. There are a couple of lookout  points up here where you get splendid views  
about 300 people. There are a couple of lookout  points up here where you get splendid views  

looking down at the Lower Town, especially  at the city wall, and the watchtowers, and  
looking down at the Lower Town, especially  at the city wall, and the watchtowers, and  

the clay tile roofs of the old buildings. There  are 26 of these medieval towers still standing  
the clay tile roofs of the old buildings. There  are 26 of these medieval towers still standing  

and nearly the entire wall is standing. It's  a remarkable example of medieval preservation.  
and nearly the entire wall is standing. It's  a remarkable example of medieval preservation.  

As we continue along through the Upper Town,  looking at a few more of these noble structures  
As we continue along through the Upper Town,  looking at a few more of these noble structures  

that had been palaces, another nice feature of  the upper town is a small park with greenery and  
that had been palaces, another nice feature of  the upper town is a small park with greenery and  

trees. When coming down from the upper town, you  get spectacular views of the wall that protected  
trees. When coming down from the upper town, you  get spectacular views of the wall that protected  

Tallinn in the Middle Ages. Walking through  the Danish King's Garden. On top of the wall,  
Tallinn in the Middle Ages. Walking through  the Danish King's Garden. On top of the wall,  

you can see this wooden defense passage that  joined the towers together, which enabled  
you can see this wooden defense passage that  joined the towers together, which enabled  

the defending soldiers to walk from one tower to  another. This marks the boundary of the Upper Town  
the defending soldiers to walk from one tower to  another. This marks the boundary of the Upper Town  

or the castle. What could make this idyllic scene  any more perfect? How about a wedding? The locals  
or the castle. What could make this idyllic scene  any more perfect? How about a wedding? The locals  

are out, all dressed up celebrating their friend's  marriage. When finished with the Upper Town,  
are out, all dressed up celebrating their friend's  marriage. When finished with the Upper Town,  

it's quite easy to get back to the Lower  Town. It's all downhill, perhaps returning  
it's quite easy to get back to the Lower  Town. It's all downhill, perhaps returning  

the same way you came up along the Long Leg  street where you're going to find more of  
the same way you came up along the Long Leg  street where you're going to find more of  

those paintings and crafts on display. Walking  back into the arch through the fortified tower,  
those paintings and crafts on display. Walking  back into the arch through the fortified tower,  

but there is an alternative way to get down for  some variety. Take a right and enter a staircase  
but there is an alternative way to get down for  some variety. Take a right and enter a staircase  

that will lead you on a shorter route back to the  Lower Town. And they make it quite easy to walk  
that will lead you on a shorter route back to the  Lower Town. And they make it quite easy to walk  

down hill with the staircase. It's always nice to  have an alternative route in your round-trip so  
down hill with the staircase. It's always nice to  have an alternative route in your round-trip so  

you can walk uphill on a gradual incline, which  is quite easy, and then downhill on a staircase,  
you can walk uphill on a gradual incline, which  is quite easy, and then downhill on a staircase,  

also very easy. This will lead you back into the  center of the Lower Town, where you can continue  
also very easy. This will lead you back into the  center of the Lower Town, where you can continue  

your explorations, there's a lot more to see.   Maybe by now it's time for a meal or continue  
your explorations, there's a lot more to see.   Maybe by now it's time for a meal or continue  

along White Bread Passage. That little building  is the smallest house in Tallinn, formerly sold  
along White Bread Passage. That little building  is the smallest house in Tallinn, formerly sold  

white bread, now it's a souvenir shop. Katerina  Käik, or St Catherine's Lane, is one of the nicest  
white bread, now it's a souvenir shop. Katerina  Käik, or St Catherine's Lane, is one of the nicest  

streets in town because it's a quiet respite  with this ancient architecture. And it's lined  
streets in town because it's a quiet respite  with this ancient architecture. And it's lined  

with open studios that function as everyday work  rooms for the artists. So you can step inside  
with open studios that function as everyday work  rooms for the artists. So you can step inside  

and see the craftsmen at work and purchase their  products directly from the artist. It's a little  
and see the craftsmen at work and purchase their  products directly from the artist. It's a little  

bit hidden away, like a peaceful oasis, remote  from the hustle and bustle of the rest of town.   
bit hidden away, like a peaceful oasis, remote  from the hustle and bustle of the rest of town.   

Here you can see with your own eyes the craftsmen  doing their daily work, making ceramics and hats,  
Here you can see with your own eyes the craftsmen  doing their daily work, making ceramics and hats,  

blowing glass, selling hand-woven fabrics,  and have a chance to chat with the artists.  
blowing glass, selling hand-woven fabrics,  and have a chance to chat with the artists.  

This group of artists is the Katerina Guild, a  symbolic bridge between the past and the present.  
This group of artists is the Katerina Guild, a  symbolic bridge between the past and the present.  

Integrating eight studios and 14 women artists.  As is customary in the guild system here, also you  
Integrating eight studios and 14 women artists.  As is customary in the guild system here, also you  

find master craftsman as well as apprentices.  Athough each studio has its own character,  
find master craftsman as well as apprentices.  Athough each studio has its own character,  

they are united in the principle of openness.  People return here to enjoy the deliberate pace,  
they are united in the principle of openness.  People return here to enjoy the deliberate pace,  

remote from the hustle and bustle of everyday  life. It is just a little connecting lane between  
remote from the hustle and bustle of everyday  life. It is just a little connecting lane between  

two larger streets the you could easily miss. So  look for it as you're walking along and you will  
two larger streets the you could easily miss. So  look for it as you're walking along and you will  

find this little art oasis. Katerina Passage is  named after the adjacent St Catherine's Dominican  
find this little art oasis. Katerina Passage is  named after the adjacent St Catherine's Dominican  

monastery, one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn,  dating back to the mid-13th-century. It has a  
monastery, one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn,  dating back to the mid-13th-century. It has a  

garden cloister surrounded by the monastery and a  giant old wall. The Gothic interior has different  
garden cloister surrounded by the monastery and a  giant old wall. The Gothic interior has different  

rooms where monks were living and studying.  The monastery also brewed four different types  
rooms where monks were living and studying.  The monastery also brewed four different types  

of beer. It's a little hard to find this, but  it's just off of Katerina Passage. Admission is  
of beer. It's a little hard to find this, but  it's just off of Katerina Passage. Admission is  

included with a Tallinn card, otherwise, you pay  a small fee in the lobby. When you come out of  
included with a Tallinn card, otherwise, you pay  a small fee in the lobby. When you come out of  

that tunnel, you hit the wall. Another spectacular  part of the medieval fortifications of Tallinn.  
that tunnel, you hit the wall. Another spectacular  part of the medieval fortifications of Tallinn.  

It's often a challenge in our travels nowadays to  be able to purchase something that's locally made,  
It's often a challenge in our travels nowadays to  be able to purchase something that's locally made,  

let alone handmade. Well, here you have a  beautiful collection of handmade sweaters,  
let alone handmade. Well, here you have a  beautiful collection of handmade sweaters,  

all authentic, tucked away under the shelter of  this impressive section of the medieval wall.   
all authentic, tucked away under the shelter of  this impressive section of the medieval wall.   

And then after you've seen the main site, it's  always nice to just simply take a walk off the  
And then after you've seen the main site, it's  always nice to just simply take a walk off the  

beaten track. Perhaps down some of the little side  streets, the little side lanes. They might not  
beaten track. Perhaps down some of the little side  streets, the little side lanes. They might not  

be in the tourist guidebooks as important visitor  attractions, but it's all part of the ambiance of  
be in the tourist guidebooks as important visitor  attractions, but it's all part of the ambiance of  

this remarkable medieval town. Wandering through  these little back lanes, getting even away from  
this remarkable medieval town. Wandering through  these little back lanes, getting even away from  

whatever tourists are in the main square is always  a thrill. You can enjoy the quietude and the  
whatever tourists are in the main square is always  a thrill. You can enjoy the quietude and the  

beauty of these authentic buildings. In addition  to that cluster of craft workshops along Katerina  
beauty of these authentic buildings. In addition  to that cluster of craft workshops along Katerina  

Käik, you'll find plenty of galleries scattered  through town with contemporary works by local  
Käik, you'll find plenty of galleries scattered  through town with contemporary works by local  

artists. While most of the buildings date back to  the 14th through 18th centuries, there are quite  
artists. While most of the buildings date back to  the 14th through 18th centuries, there are quite  

a few with the Art Nouveau style of architecture,  which was popularized in the late 19th and early  
a few with the Art Nouveau style of architecture,  which was popularized in the late 19th and early  

20th-century in England and Belgium and France.   There is an impressive history museum inside what  
20th-century in England and Belgium and France.   There is an impressive history museum inside what  

had been the headquarters of the Great Guild. This  was the most important of the merchant societies.  
had been the headquarters of the Great Guild. This  was the most important of the merchant societies.  

In 1987, this impressive Gothic building was  converted into the Estonian History Museum with  
In 1987, this impressive Gothic building was  converted into the Estonian History Museum with  

a fascinating collection covering a wide variety  of topics, bringing these old tales back to life  
a fascinating collection covering a wide variety  of topics, bringing these old tales back to life  

with very contemporary displays, all housed in  this Gothic structure, which has been beautifully  
with very contemporary displays, all housed in  this Gothic structure, which has been beautifully  

preserved. In a poignant display sign, the  curators sum up the national character, asking,  
preserved. In a poignant display sign, the  curators sum up the national character, asking,  

"Which word has enough power to encapsulate the  survival of the people who have lived on this  
"Which word has enough power to encapsulate the  survival of the people who have lived on this  

piece of land for 11,000 years? That word could  be perseverance. Perseverance helped Estonians  
piece of land for 11,000 years? That word could  be perseverance. Perseverance helped Estonians  

survive amid a harsh climate and rocky soil. After  all the wars and conquests, plagues and famines,  
survive amid a harsh climate and rocky soil. After  all the wars and conquests, plagues and famines,  

the steadfastness and even stubbornness of the  people here created a distinctive environment  
the steadfastness and even stubbornness of the  people here created a distinctive environment  

and unique culture. The Estonian  spirit is meant for survival."   
and unique culture. The Estonian  spirit is meant for survival."   

Estonian history extends across a  long and winding road through time,  
Estonian history extends across a  long and winding road through time,  

telling the tales of many conquering nations,  including Viking, German, Swedish, Danish, Polish  
telling the tales of many conquering nations,  including Viking, German, Swedish, Danish, Polish  

and Russian invaders. The Republic of Estonia  has been independent since 1918, interrupted by  
and Russian invaders. The Republic of Estonia  has been independent since 1918, interrupted by  

a half-century-long Soviet occupation following  World War Two. Estonia restored its independence  
a half-century-long Soviet occupation following  World War Two. Estonia restored its independence  

in 1991, and today is a thriving and forward  looking member of state of the EU and NATO.   
in 1991, and today is a thriving and forward  looking member of state of the EU and NATO.   

Preserving their treasured historic traditions  and festivals, yet, as a very modern country,  
Preserving their treasured historic traditions  and festivals, yet, as a very modern country,  

they've always been traders. Appropriate that the  town square today is filled with the merchants.  
they've always been traders. Appropriate that the  town square today is filled with the merchants.  

This has been going on for more than 700 years.  After all, it was founded as a trading town. It  
This has been going on for more than 700 years.  After all, it was founded as a trading town. It  

was part of the Hanseatic League, which was  that northern and European medieval alliance,  
was part of the Hanseatic League, which was  that northern and European medieval alliance,  

Germans, Scandinavians, merchant centers trading  with the East and bringing goods on into Europe  
Germans, Scandinavians, merchant centers trading  with the East and bringing goods on into Europe  

and being the middlemen and always taking a  cut of the profits. And how fortunate to be  
and being the middlemen and always taking a  cut of the profits. And how fortunate to be  

running into this great town festival with the  old customs dating back to those medieval days.  
running into this great town festival with the  old customs dating back to those medieval days.  

The Estonian culture is a really modern society  set in this medieval trappings, so don't let the  
The Estonian culture is a really modern society  set in this medieval trappings, so don't let the  

buildings and costumes fool you. These are very  modern European peoples, very technologically  
buildings and costumes fool you. These are very  modern European peoples, very technologically  

advanced. They've got some of the highest rate  of Internet connections and broadband speeds,  
advanced. They've got some of the highest rate  of Internet connections and broadband speeds,  

for example, a couple of Estonians are the  inventors who created Skype for the computer,  
for example, a couple of Estonians are the  inventors who created Skype for the computer,  

for making long-distance phone calls for free.  And many other technological innovations have  
for making long-distance phone calls for free.  And many other technological innovations have  

come out of Estonia, which has been called  the Silicon Valley of Europe, recognized as  
come out of Estonia, which has been called  the Silicon Valley of Europe, recognized as  

the world's most advanced digital society. Nearly  all interactions with government are done online,  
the world's most advanced digital society. Nearly  all interactions with government are done online,  

perhaps one reason they have the most business  startups per capita, where it only takes 5 minutes  
perhaps one reason they have the most business  startups per capita, where it only takes 5 minutes  

to found your own company. They have one of the  world's highest adult literacy rates at 99.8%,  
to found your own company. They have one of the  world's highest adult literacy rates at 99.8%,  

and they were the first country in the world to  adopt online voting way back in 2005. Ever since  
and they were the first country in the world to  adopt online voting way back in 2005. Ever since  

the Middle Ages, Town Hall Square has been the  center of life. It's been a place where people  
the Middle Ages, Town Hall Square has been the  center of life. It's been a place where people  

come to buy things and sell things and listen to  the latest gossip. So it has always been a very  
come to buy things and sell things and listen to  the latest gossip. So it has always been a very  

busy area. There are two famous restaurants  with traditional food just a block beyond the  
busy area. There are two famous restaurants  with traditional food just a block beyond the  

Old Town square, out the southeast corner, the  Olde Hansa, with an authentic style of decor  
Old Town square, out the southeast corner, the  Olde Hansa, with an authentic style of decor  

on the inside and Peppersack, both offering  an extensive menu with traditional cuisine.   
on the inside and Peppersack, both offering  an extensive menu with traditional cuisine.   

Now the main building on the town hall  square is the city hall itself. It's the  
Now the main building on the town hall  square is the city hall itself. It's the  

best-preserved town hall in the Baltic and  Scandinavian states, dating back to 1402.  
best-preserved town hall in the Baltic and  Scandinavian states, dating back to 1402.  

The Town Hall has a couple of waterspouts in the  shape of dragon heads, which they believed offered  
The Town Hall has a couple of waterspouts in the  shape of dragon heads, which they believed offered  

protection against the evil spirits. The ancient  Estonians were quite superstitious and very fond  
protection against the evil spirits. The ancient  Estonians were quite superstitious and very fond  

of all kinds of symbols. The Town Hall has a  small museum inside with costume attendants to  
of all kinds of symbols. The Town Hall has a  small museum inside with costume attendants to  

explain the history. The magnificent building  celebrated recently its 700th anniversary.  
explain the history. The magnificent building  celebrated recently its 700th anniversary.  

Soaring Gothic arches, woodcarving, tapestry and  paintings reflect the wealth and ideals of the  
Soaring Gothic arches, woodcarving, tapestry and  paintings reflect the wealth and ideals of the  

former Hanseatic town. You're welcome to walk  up the narrow spiral steps to the upper level,  
former Hanseatic town. You're welcome to walk  up the narrow spiral steps to the upper level,  

where you will see the impressive wood beams that  are still holding up the roof, 700 years later.  
where you will see the impressive wood beams that  are still holding up the roof, 700 years later.  

A scale model shows the extent of the medieval  walls going around the upper and lower towns.   
A scale model shows the extent of the medieval  walls going around the upper and lower towns.   

The building also functioned as a courthouse  from the 13th through the 19th centuries.  
The building also functioned as a courthouse  from the 13th through the 19th centuries.  

It's well worth going to the upper  floor because looking out the window,  
It's well worth going to the upper  floor because looking out the window,  

you have a grand view at the upper town and  right down into the marketplace itself. That  
you have a grand view at the upper town and  right down into the marketplace itself. That  

little tourist train provides an easy way to  get around and see the sights. We're going down  
little tourist train provides an easy way to  get around and see the sights. We're going down  

there in a moment to join the fun and listen  to more music from those costumed performers,  
there in a moment to join the fun and listen  to more music from those costumed performers,  

but first, there are a few more things to show  you -- a busy street, another little church  
but first, there are a few more things to show  you -- a busy street, another little church  

and a modern shopping mall. Church of the Holy  Spirit has the oldest clock in Tallinn, made in  
and a modern shopping mall. Church of the Holy  Spirit has the oldest clock in Tallinn, made in  

1684 and still works. Built in the 14th-century  with a wooden interior, the church is one of  
1684 and still works. Built in the 14th-century  with a wooden interior, the church is one of  

the oldest and finest structures in Tallinn.  The oldest part of the church is the choir,  
the oldest and finest structures in Tallinn.  The oldest part of the church is the choir,  

and the aisle was added sometime later. This was  the first church in Estonia to hold services in  
and the aisle was added sometime later. This was  the first church in Estonia to hold services in  

the Estonian language. The main altar has a  remarkable wood carving that dates from 1483.  
the Estonian language. The main altar has a  remarkable wood carving that dates from 1483.  

This is one of the widest and busiest streets  in town, and it leads to the other major gate  
This is one of the widest and busiest streets  in town, and it leads to the other major gate  

through the medieval wall that heads down towards  the waterfront. The crowds here are a reminder of  
through the medieval wall that heads down towards  the waterfront. The crowds here are a reminder of  

how popular Tallinn is with the visitors.   This street ends at the Viru Gate, with the  
how popular Tallinn is with the visitors.   This street ends at the Viru Gate, with the  

cruise ship docks just beyond, and parts of the  modern town adjacent, which makes this entrance  
cruise ship docks just beyond, and parts of the  modern town adjacent, which makes this entrance  

a lot more crowded than the north entrance that we  came in initially at the beginning of the program.  
a lot more crowded than the north entrance that we  came in initially at the beginning of the program.  

There's also a lovely green park just beyond the  wall next door. We find a real contrast with the  
There's also a lovely green park just beyond the  wall next door. We find a real contrast with the  

Old Town, this modern Viru shopping mall. There's  also a hotel and office buildings attached to it,  
Old Town, this modern Viru shopping mall. There's  also a hotel and office buildings attached to it,  

and it leads right into the modern part of  downtown. From here, it's just a short walk  
and it leads right into the modern part of  downtown. From here, it's just a short walk  

back over to the cruise ship terminal, which  is where we'll be going continuing on our  
back over to the cruise ship terminal, which  is where we'll be going continuing on our  

overnight cruise to Stockholm. As promised, we're  going back to the festival in the marketplace,  
overnight cruise to Stockholm. As promised, we're  going back to the festival in the marketplace,  

which also featured some games and festivities  of the Middle Ages. (music and chatter)   
which also featured some games and festivities  of the Middle Ages. (music and chatter)   

We  
We  

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