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DestinationsOther |
Tallinn EstoniaINTRODUCTION Tallinn is the capital and largest city in the Republic of Estonia. The city possesses the countries most important seaport, which has made Tallinn a key trading post in the region for centuries. In 1991, Estonia became an independent country and joined the United Nations, and in 2004 it became the first Baltic country to join NATO. Since its independence Estonia has become the "Silicon Valley of the Baltic Sea," producing products like Skype, an international internet phone service. The country and Tallinn have also become a tourist magnet catering to English speakers and boasting one of the best preserved old towns in Europe. Discover Tallin's Old Town, originally built in medieval times. This town still survives, and is a testament to the time it was built. Walk down the old cobblestone roads, check out the turrets and spires, and have a wonderful day imagining what it was really like to live back in the 14th and 15th centuries. HISTORY In 1154 Tallinn was first marked on a world map and spent the rest of its history being an important route between Scandinavia and Russia. During the Northern Crusades Christianity was forced upon the population and the city was ruled by the Danes. Over the next centuries it bounced from the German tribes, to the Swedes, eventually landing in Imperial Russia's hands in the 1700s. In 1918 Estonia eventually gained a short independence before being overrun by the Germans during World War II and the Soviets shortly after the war. In 1991 Estonia was finally able to regain independence. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Visitors can purchase a Tallinn card, which will give them access to all public transportation and several museums throughout the city. The cards are 6, 12, 48, and 72 hour time slots, the 6 hour card does not allow access to museums. They can be purchased at Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau. ATTRACTIONS Old Town? LODGING PERSONAL STORIES 
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