Toompea Castle: history and our days

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

One of the most beautiful and interesting sights of modern Estonia is Toompea Castle. This ancient fortress was erected in the 13th century on the site of an older wooden fortification. The historical landmark has survived to this day in very good condition. Today the castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, its premises continue to be used for public needs. From time to time, excursions for tourists are held here, and every traveler can admire the ancient fortress walls.

Legends about the founding of Toompea

Vyshgorod is the historical center of Tallinn, which is often also called the Upper Town. The ancient settlement was founded in an area with a very interesting landscape. This is a hill with slopes, cliffs, located at an altitude of 48 meters above sea level. In historical documents, for the first time, a settlement in this area is mentioned under the name Koluvan. Later the settlement was called Toompea and was the largest in Estonia. There is a beautiful legend about the local fortress. According to the EstonianAccording to the folk opus Kalevipoeg, Toompea Castle was built on the resting place of the mythical king Kalev. When the ruler died, his wife Linda grieved for a long time. The queen buried her beloved husband on a hill and laid a mound of large stones over the grave, which later became a fortress city.

The true story of the fortress

By the beginning of the 13th century, Toompea was the largest city in Estonia. The upper city at that time was surrounded by wooden walls with towers at the corners. Peasants, farmers and artisans began to settle at the foot of the castle, trading rows were formed. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered a major trading center, as there was a seaport nearby. In 1219, the wooden fortress, and subsequently the whole of Estonia, was captured by King Valdemar 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 Valdemar II managed to build only a reliable wooden fortress. Already in 1227, Denmark lost its power over Estonia, the northern lands of the state were captured by the Order of the Sword. Ten years later, at the direction of the Pope, 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 Toompea Castle and the surrounding territories to the Livonian Order. Each owner sought to rebuild the fortress. It is believed that the fortification acquired its modern look at the beginning of the 15th century.century. It is known for sure that the famous tower "Long German" was built by the knights of the Livonian Order.

Castle architecture

Toompea Castle (Tallinn) in plan is an almost regular quadrangle. The fortification is fortified with four towers located at the corners. The most famous of them is "Long German" ("Long Warrior"). The tower was built at the end of the 14th century, and later built on. Today its height is 48 meters. On the last open tier of "Long Herman" the Estonian flag is installed. Some time later, other towers were erected: "Stür den Kerl" ("Repel the enemy"), "Pilshtike" ("Arrow grinder") and "Landskrone" ("Crown of the earth"). Additionally, the fortress was protected by a deep moat.

Toompea Castle (Tallinn) today

In the 16th century, after the Livonian War, Estonian lands were occupied by the Swedes. At that time, Toompea Castle was considered an “unfashionable” building and outdated as a defensive object. For this reason, the fortress does not receive due attention. At the beginning of the 18th century, Estonia became part of the Russian Empire. During the reign of Catherine II, the castle began to be rebuilt to house the government. During the work, part of the wall and one of the 4 towers were demolished. It is in this state that the castle can be seen 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 the tour?

An unforgivable mistake is to go to Tallinn and not see the Toompea fortress with your own eyes. This is one of the main symbols of Estonia, as well as the best preserved castle in the region. Tourists like to admire the panoramas with the fortress and take pictures against the backdrop of ancient towers. Many vacationers are wondering if it is possible to get inside? Despite the modern purpose of the fortress, excursions are really conducted. You must register in advance. Toompea Castle (Tallinn) has a different opening hours than a regular museum. The fortress can only be visited as part of an organized group (from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm), if you apply 5-10 days before the desired visit date. Contact a specialized tourist office and sign up for a tour. If you want to see the castle only from the outside, be sure to admire it from the west side.