Toompea
A limestone hill on the south side of the Old Town, the Upper Town where medieval nobles and bishops lived; today it houses the Estonian Parliament, St Mary's Cathedral and the 'Tall Hermann' tower.
Toompea is a limestone hill about 20–30 metres above the Lower Town. Legend says it is the burial mound of Kalev, a hero of Estonian myth. In the 13th century the Danes built a castle here, and for centuries the Upper Town was held by rulers, nobles and the church, sharply separated from the merchant society of the Lower Town. The two were linked only by two slopes, the 'Long Leg' (Pikk jalg) and the 'Short Leg' (Lühike jalg). The Short Leg is a steep, stepped narrow lane that still retains its gateway. On the western side of the hilltop stands Toompea Castle. Its building with the pink Baroque façade is now the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). At the southwest corner of the castle, the roughly 46-metre-high 'Tall Hermann' tower raises the national flag every sunrise, a symbol of national sovereignty. Opposite the castle is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. At the centre of the hilltop, St Mary's Cathedral (Toomkirik) is one of Estonia's oldest churches, with more than a hundred wooden plaques bearing noble family coats of arms inside, and visitors can pay to climb its bell tower. On the northern edge of the Upper Town are two viewing platforms, Kohtuotsa and Patkuli. From Town Hall Square it is a 5–10 minute walk via the Long Leg or the Short Leg. Parliament building tours require advance booking.
Opening hours
Open all day; cathedral approx. 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- St. Mary's Cathedral (Toomkirik)
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms
- Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Passages
- St. Nicholas' Church (Niguliste Museum)
- Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
- Great Guild Hall (Estonian History Museum)
- Town Hall Square & Tallinn Town Hall