/countries/show/estonia/1.rss en-us Located on the Estonian border with the country’s immediate neighbor Russia, the impressive Hermann Castle is a must visit for tourists who are travelling to Estonia. Originally built by the Danes almost at the end of the 13th century, it stands face to face with Russia’s equally formidable Ivangorod Fortress that is just across the river. This creates an architectural, as well as military ensemble, which is unique in the whole of Europe. Its location (on the border and at the junction of several trade routes) has helped the adjoining towns to amass wealth. Hermann Castle, also known as Narva Castle, has however also invited conflicts and even wars for ransacking and accumulating wealth. Hermann Castle has seen many masters during its warring days – Swedes, Danes, and Russians who have serially captured the castle and conquered the town, only to surrender it to more formidable forces at later dates. Despite their best efforts to make Narva unconquerable, most of these kings and conquerors suffered defeat. The fortification efforts were merely the addition of layers on the old structure. Take the case of the Swedes for example. During the Great Northern War that raged through the first half of the 18th century, the Swedes took enormous pains to fortify the castle. They were however forced to surrender it before the Russian Tsar, Peter-I. You are sure to see a lot of history here at Hermann Castle. It was constructed way back in 1256 by the Danes. This castle has changed hands quite a few times in its long history, and even today, you can see many signs from each period. If you are planning a trip to Estonia, you should certainly see Hermann Castle, and Narva city. You will thoroughly enjoy Hermann Castle even if you aren’t really a history buff. You are sure to love the architecture and the surrounding areas that are quite scenic. It is one of the most fascinating examples of architecture that is traditional of the Baltic States. Add to that the fortification and need for security in a castle, and what you have is definitely an interesting study. The Second World War had significantly damaged many portions of this castle. However, serious renovation works were started years after the war was over. It continues till this day. Much of Hermann Castle has been thoroughly renovated already, so you can see it in its former glory. Renovators have ensured that its historical value has not been compromised while it was being renovated. Fri, 25 May 2012 02:13:05 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hermann-castle http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hermann-castle Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is popular for its grand architecture and picturesque landscapes. If you're on a tour to this part of Northern Europe, a detour out of Old Town to Kadriorg Palace should be top of your list. The Baroque architecture here is a reminder of the brilliant past and is lavishly set amidst the beautiful Kadriorg Gardens. This Dutch style manor house was originally built by Italian master architect Niccolo Michettia under the order of Peter the Great. It took much of its current shape when it was stylishly, and heavily renovated much later in 1718. Its grand facade is surpassed only by the exotic ambience of its interiors. Contrary to the norm, Kadriorg Palace assumes an even more regal look when complimented with snow during the cold, winter months. Kadriorg Palace consists of two annexes and a principal building. There is a well embellished main hall that stands out as an outstanding and perhaps unsurpassed example of Baroque architecture. Such architecture is quite prominent in several parts of Northern Europe, but Tallinn played a significant role in giving shape to the Baroque movement. The astounding two-storied hall area is decorated with rich stucco and art frescos. Kadriorg Palace also houses the foreign art museum that started in 1921 as a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia. Tours and introductions of high profile art works take place here apart from different types of shows, dances, concerts, theatre performances, lectures and receptions. The collection covers a wide gamut ranging from Russian to Western European paintings from 16th to 20th centuries, gems and sculptures, historic furniture, glass and porcelain structures. It includes works by notable artists Lile Pieter Breughel Jr. and Frans Pourbus Jr. The Kadriorg Garden is indeed the ideal place to spend a few hours. Lose yourself strolling in the poetry of nature, free from the pangs of daily humdrum affairs. It’s also a place of high importance, as across the flourishing garden you will find the office building of the Estonian president. In the middle of the park lies the famous swan's pond, named after the number of swans and ducks found there during the spring and fall. As expected Kadriorg Garden is immensely popular among lovers who find moments of solace and privacy in the manicured sprawling yards. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:42:26 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kadriorg-palace http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kadriorg-palace One of the great pleasures of visiting many European cities in winter is the captivating effect that snow has on their classic architecture, creating a virtual winter wonderland. Estonia's capital Tallinn may not be as world famous as Vienna or Prague, but it's probably one of the best places on the whole continent to experience Europe as it was in medieval times. Old Town Tallinn is so well preserved that it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status - picture a close-knit network of winding cobbled streets with iron street lamps, Gothic spires of grandiose churches and half-hidden courtyards sheltering beautiful gabled houses. Look out for Tallinn's Town Hall, the only one in northern Europe dating from the Gothic era that still remains standing, dating back to 1248. The historic district has also got three medieval churches, each remarkable for their well-preserved status centuries after they were built. Another remarkable feature of Old Town Tallinn is its medieval defense system. Originally consisting of a 16-meter high wall spanning 4km around Tallinn and 46 towers, today about 2km of the wall and 26 towers are still standing. Visitors can go inside three of the towers and get an unrivaled view of the pretty red roofs of the historical district. In the upper part of the Old Town Tallinn, there's also Toompea Castle, an imposing 14th Century building on a hill that today houses the Estonian Parliament. Apart from great architecture, Tallinn is also a cultural center, and has been designated European City of Culture for 2011. The city hosts classical and medieval music festivals through out the year, and is home to a number of great museums. Tallinn also boasts a very active nightlife scene with plenty of great bars and clubs to sample amid the pretty atmosphere. The city has a winning combination of locals that are as party hard as their Scandinavian counterparts without the high prices often found in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. An average local draft beer in Tallinn will only set you back around US$3-4. It's another great surprise in an off-the-beaten track city that's nonetheless much more worth visiting than you might think. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:49:54 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/old-town-tallinn http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/old-town-tallinn