Rick Steves’ Europe: Tallinn, Estonia
Dominated by the Soviets for 50 years, the Estonian capital boasts medieval architecture and signature chic, attracting admirers of Old World character
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Reviving the Tradition in Tallinn
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In Tallinn, the end of Soviet rule paved the way for a revival of traditions.
Old Town, Tallinn
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Among medieval Nordic cities, none is as well preserved as Tallinn, surrounded by a largely intact wall that includes 26 watchtowers. Within colorfully painted medieval houses share cobbled lanes with blocky, Communist-style buildings
Medieval Market
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Tallinn's well-preserved core, with its medieval houses and outdoor markets, is filled with thriving new shops and restaurants.
Medieval Walls
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Estonian independence has also ushered in a new emphasis on the country's rich heritage, reflected in the city's medieval walls. Today, vestiges of the Communist era evoke what is viewed as a rapidly receding past.
Tallinn, Estonia
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Estonia's thriving capital, Tallinn, is just a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki or an overnight cruise from Stockholm, Sweden.