TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

Toompea means Cathedral Hill and it is an oblong-shaped limestone hill located in Tallinn Old Town. This is the perfect place to go if you want to see panoramic medieval views of the city. There are several viewing points from the top of the hill. Find the Kohtoutsa and Patkuli viewing platforms for the best sweeping views and great picture taking opportunities. Trust me, it is worth the climb! Toompea Hill There is a fairytale story behind the existence of Toompea but to summarise this in my own words: Toompea is what I would like to call the birthplace of Tallinn, which of course during that time had a totally different name. Before Tallinn became Tallinn, she was called Reval, and I am sure before Reval, she was called something else. I wanted to sit down at this cafe terrace beside the Kahtoutsa viewing platform but there were no people. Why is it that we are drawn to cafes and restaurants where there are guests inside? The psychology of man to belong and to be with othe...

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Website: Alexsander Nevsky Cathedral Designed by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in Russian Revival style during the period (1894-1900) when Estonia was under the Russian Czar Empire. The locals actually hated this church standing above the Toompea Hill because it reminds them of the Russian oppression years. They hated it so much that there were plans to demolish the church, however, the new government lacked funds. Well, what can I say. I am glad they lacked the funds to destroy this stunning beauty! I love those cupolas. She survived and lived to tell the story. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Estonia. The sanctuary of the church. Beautiful. Trivia: Did you know that the first big divide in the Christian religion happened during the decline of the Roman Empire? When Rome fell to the many Germanic tribes and barbarian mercenaries in Europe, a new Rome emerged: Constantinople (present day Istanbul). Due to theological diff...

Let me begin with a TIP: When booking for a city trip to Tallinn (Estonia) or Helsinki (Finland) I strongly suggest to visit both cities instead of just one. They are very near each other and are not big cities to explore. Even if you are pressed with time, you can do both for at least a minimum of 4 days. You’ll get more out of your travels when you combine both! At the Port of Tallinn. The old town is just walking distance as you can see. A Few Facts and Choosing a Boat The crossing of the Baltic Sea between Tallinn (Estonia) and Helsinki (Finland) takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the type of vessel you are going to take. I chose TallinK Silja Line (which is a merger of 2 shipping companies I believe) because of three things: Schedule was convenient to my plans.  It takes approximately two hours which is a doable journey considering the port is just walking distance from the old town.  I felt safer crossing with a big boat. A much faster hydr...