Toompea Castle: history and our days

Toompea Castle is one of the most beautiful and interesting sights of modern Estonia. This ancient fortress was erected in the XIII century on the site of an older wooden fortification. The historical sight has reached 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 there are excursions for tourists, and every traveler can admire the ancient fortress walls.

Legends about the foundation of Toompea

Vyshgorod is the historical center of Tallinn, which is also often called the Upper Town. The ancient settlement is based in the area with a very interesting landscape. It is an elevation with slopes-precipices, located at an altitude of 48 meters above sea level. In historical documents for the first time the settlement in this area is mentioned under the name of Koluvan. Later the settlement was called Toompea and was the largest in Estland. There is a beautiful legend about the local fortress. According to the Estonian folk opus "Kalevipoeg", Toompea Castle was built on the site of the repose of the mythical king Kalev. When the ruler died, his wife Linda long grieved. His beloved wife queen was buried on a hill and piled over the grave mound of large stones, which later became a fortress city.

The True History of the Fortress

To the beginning of the 13th century Toompea is the largest city in Estland. 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, trade rows were formed. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered a major shopping center, as there was a seaport nearby. In 1219 a wooden fortress, and later all Estland, 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 be actively rebuilt and strengthened.

Historians agree that Waldemar II managed to build only a reliable wooden fortress. Already in 1227 Denmark lost its power over Estland, the northern lands of the state were captured by the Order of Swordmen. Ten years later, at the direction of the Pope of Rome, 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 the castle of Toompea and the surrounding territories to the Livonian Order. Each owner sought to rebuild the fortress. It is believed that the fortification building acquired its modern appearance precisely at the beginning of the XV century. It is known that the famous tower "Long Herman" was built exactly by the Knights of the Livonian Order.

Architecture of the castle

Castle Toompea (Tallinn) in terms of is an almost regular quadrangle. The fortification structure is secured by four towers, located at the corners. The most famous of them is "The Long Herman" ("The Long Warrior"). The tower was built at the end of the 14th century, and later it was built up. Today its height is 48 meters. The last open tier of "Long Herman" is the flag of Estonia. Some time later, other towers were erected: "Styur-den-Curl" ("Reflect the enemy"), "Pilstik" ("Sharpener of arrows") and "Landskrona" ("Crown of the Earth"). In addition, the fortress was protected by a deep moat.

Toompea Castle (Tallinn) today

In the 16th century, after the Livonian War, the Swedes occupied the Estonian lands. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered to be "unfashionable" and obsolete as a defensive object. For this reason, the fortress does not receive proper attention. At the beginning of the XVIII century Estonia is a part of the Russian Empire. During the reign of Catherine II, the castle was rebuilt to accommodate the government. During the works, part of the wall and one of the 4 towers were demolished. It is in this condition 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 the parliament.

How to get on a tour?

It is an unforgivable mistake to go to Tallinn and not to see the fortress of Toompea. This is one of the main symbols of Estonia, as well as the castle, which is best preserved in the region. Tourists like to admire the panoramas of the fortress and photographed against the backdrop of the ancient towers. Many vacationers are interested, but can I get inside? Despite the modern purpose of the fortress, excursions are really held. It should be recorded in advance. Toompea Castle (Tallinn) has a working mode not as an ordinary 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 for 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 look at it from the west side.