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Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located in Northern Europe in the north-eastern part of the Baltic Sea region. Area of Tallinn - 159,2 km² (Estonia 45 227 km²). The climate in Tallinn is characterized by a fairly cold winter, a cool spring with little precipitation, a moderately warm summer and a long and rainy autumn. However, some summers have weeks at a stretch of temperatures around +30°C, and a warm, sunny summer can keep autumn at bay until mid-October.Average temperature in July +16,7°CAverage temperature in February -4°C
Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours. • The population of Tallinn is 401 694 (22.03.2005). • Nationalities: Estonian 53.7%, Russian 36.5%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Byelorussia 2.0%, other 4.1%. • Estonian's official language is Estonian. Russian, Finnish, English and German are also understood and widely spoken. • The largest denomination is Lutheran (30%) followed by Russian Orthodox • (28%), and Catholic (3%). However, only about 20% of Estonians practice anyreligion.
The collective consciousness of the Estonian nation has two beliefs related to the general song festivals. One is that in 1869, a nameless agricultural people sang their way to becoming a European nation; and the other, from the more recent past, is that the Estonians sang their way to freedom. • The general song festivals, which take place every five years, bring together thousands of singers. The largest choir was a union of 25,000 singers. In addition to the song festivals, other festivals and rock concerts are also organised at the song grounds.
The emergence and development of Kadriorg was influenced first and foremost by the high society of the tsar’s empire. • The streets of Kadriorg are as good as a unique architectural museum, weaving together various centuries and cultures. • Kadriorg is one of the more dignified areas even today, and one of the best loved residential regions of Tallinn. • The park is one of the favourite spots for walking ofTallinners young and old. • But Kadriorg is famed mostly for its baroque palace and park ensemble, begun in 1718 as the summer palace for the family of Russian tsar Peter I. • In February 2006 the Estonian Art Museum • opened in Kadriorg.
The unique value of Tallinn’s Old Town lies first and foremost in the well-preserved completeness of its medieval milieu and structure, which has been lost in most of the capitals of northern Europe. • Its powerful defensive structures have protected Tallinn from being destroyed in wars, and its lack of wooden buildings has protected it from burning down. • But it is also crucial that Tallinn hasn’t been massively rebuilt in the interest of dispensing with the old and modernising the town. • Tallinn is one of the best retained medieval European towns, with its web of winding cobblestone streets and properties, from the 11th to 15th centuries, preserved nearly in its entirety. • Tallinn had attained fame and a powerful role in the Baltic Sea area through its membership in the Hanseatic League.
Toompea Castle is one of Estonia’s oldest and grandest architectural groupings. Built in the 13th to the 14th centuries, the castle is situated on the steep limestone coast, 50 meters above sea level. It is one of the most potent symbols of reigning power, conquered over the centuries by various nations. Today, the Estonian Parliament is housed here. Tall Hermann was built in the southwestern corner of Toompea Fortress at the end of the 14th century. Tall Hermann was built in the southwestern corner of Toompea Fortress at the end of the 14th century. The name of the tower comes from the German phrase "Lange Hermann" meaning "tall soldier" or "chief" and comes from the tales of the adored medieval hero Hermann. This sort of name was usually given to the most powerful towers in a fortress. The Estonian flag waves at the top of the 48-meter-high tower.
Tallinn Zoo has one of the most exciting collections in Northern Europe. • Established in 1939, the Zoo is home to over 5,400 animals, representing nearly 350 species. • The zoo has many rare creatures from temperate and Arctic zones, as well as animals from more exotic climates. • The tropical house has just been completed, where you can see crocodiles, chimpanzees, and many other rain forest dwellers. • The petting zoo (open only in summer) is a delight for children, who can meet hamsters, rabbits and other small animals.