If you enjoy Medieval architecture, all it takes is a view through the City Gate into Old Town Tallinn, Estonia to realize what a treat lies ahead.
There are delightful Medieval villages all over Europe, but the state of preservation and the feel of Tallinn’s old town make it one of the jewels in the crown. Its narrow, twisting cobblestone streets are lined with 15th-17th Century homes, churches, guild houses, and a huge town hall.
The old village is a wanderer’s dream. Put the map away and ramble down any street or alleyway, and there are movie-set backdrops. This is St. Catherine’s Lane, which couldn’t be more perfectly Medieval. Disney designers with an unlimited budget couldn’t come close to the wonderful Tallinn ambience.
Happy Trails,
James & Terri
GALLIVANCE 
The description of the place is beautiful. The beauty of the place is well described, good job
Thanks for the comment and for dropping by the blog. Tallinn’s old town really is exceptional and it’s a wonderful place to wander. ~James
Another one to add to my must-see list. Thanks!
Peggy, we did a combo Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius trip and it was excellent. This makes an easy, interesting itinerary and all three have different characteristics: a nice trip. ~James
Wow, how beautiful. The preservation is amazing. If only those buildings and walls could talk. What a story they would tell!
Laura, try as I might, I have a hard time relating to a town with 400 years of history. That’s 20 generations, so you can imagine the number of people and stories that have come and gone in this city. ~James
Just back from a very brief trip to Tallinn – loved it!
Tallinn really is a special place. In addition to the great Medieval architecture, it has such a cozy, comfortable ambience. ~James
I think I was getting a wee dizzy looking up that tower! I wonder if the two of you have ever thought of doing a couple of posts on itineraries for trips your have taken. Such unique spots. Just a thought of course.
We have considered an itinerary post Sue, and it’s a good idea. And the Baltic would be the perfect area. I enjoy reading these kinds of posts because I use the info when we travel. The only problem is that, done the way I would want to do them, they’re actually a lot of work to put together. Either you have to keep really good notes on the road, or do lots of research when you get home. However, it is a good idea, and thanks for motivating me to put it on my “blog ideas” list. ~James
I hear what you are saying James. I am of a similar thought. Well I would be quite happy with a mini version of locations and three things not to miss while in a location. 🙂
The buildings are beautiful. Such character x
In addition to the historic buildings, there were lots of nice cafes and bars to drop in. It really is a nice city to visit. ~James
Looks like a beautiful place to get lost in!
Lynn, the historic area isn’t big enough to get lost in, but it’s perfect for wandering around. ~James
James and Terri, We visited Tallinn in the springtime and came away with the same impression… I’t,s one spot I like to see again. Lovely photos!
Thanks Susan. Like you, we were very impressed with Tallinn, both the historic area and the modern city. We had a nice little apartment right in the heart and it was perfect. ~James
What a perfect town – it looks almost like a move set.
You’re right Jeff. I haven’t checked it out, but I’m sure that at some point in the past it has been a movie set. ~James
Really gorgeous buildings, James. I agree with Jeff that it looks almost like a movie set. 😃
Sylvia, Tallinn is a tourist destination for sure, but it isn’t on lots of “most popular” lists, so it isn’t bombed with tourists. And the historic center is just as charming as it looks. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania make a wonderful and convenient trio for a visit to this part of the world. ~James
As you know, we love places like this! We have found some delightful old medieval towns in Spain.
I really enjoy the old Spanish towns as well Darlene. I particularly like the towns in the south of Spain. Given their Moorish influences, they have a delightful Mediterranean feel that’s totally different from the towns in northern Europe. ~James
Very interesting architecture, very different to what we see in India and Asian subcontinent. Wish I could explore these one day 🙂
Thanks for the comment and for dropping by the blog. Yes, both different and both interesting. I’ve spent time in India and Asia and really enjoy the architecture, but since I lived in Europe, I know much more about their Medieval buildings. But India has a long history and an equally complex story to tell. Your blog does a good job of telling its tale. ~James
I second you totally, India has great heritage value. Glad you find my blog interesting, motivates me to write travel, drive and explore more 🙂
You visited, as did we, with sunshine, but these snowflakes do look more at home in Tallin than in Cambodia. My, you really have traveled the world, haven’t you? 🙂
Susan, the sunshine was glorious. So glad that you got to enjoy Tallinn in good weather, too. We just thought it was an amazing city, and so charming. We’ve definitely been able to work in and enjoy so many parts of this world … fortunately with much more to go! 🙂 ~Terri
Can’t wait to see this in the fall! Thank you for the beautiful photos.
Thanks for your comment Sue and Joe and thanks for dropping by the blog. We really enjoyed our time in Tallinn, and autumn is the perfect time to visit. Lots of the summer tourists have gone home and things are calm. We did a few posts on Tallinn that you might like:
https://gallivance.net/?s=tallinn&submit=Search
Have a great trip. ~James