Tag Archives: Estonia

Tallinn and the 1980 Moscow Olympics

In 1974 the Soviet Union won the bid to become the host of the 1980 Summer Olympics. As its host city Moscow is miles inland there was a search for a suitable location to host the sailing events. As Estonia was at that time under Soviet occupation the city of Tallinn was chosen. The 1980Continue reading “Tallinn and the 1980 Moscow Olympics”

Tallinn Olympic Yachting Centre

The Tallinn Olympic Yachting Centre was built for the sailing event of the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics that were held in Tallinn. The building was designed by architects Henno Sepmann, Peep Jänes, Ants Raid and Avo-Himm Looveer. The Olympic Village officially opened in June of that year and hosted its first guests in July in preparationsContinue reading “Tallinn Olympic Yachting Centre”

A Winter’s Day at the Maarjamäe Memorial

The Maarjamäe Memorial Complex in Tallinn dates back to 1960 but the history of its monuments and the people they commemorate goes back even further, some to the Russian Civil War of 1918. Since June 1940 Estonia was under the occupation of the Soviet Union until its independence in August 1991, an important detail in understandingContinue reading “A Winter’s Day at the Maarjamäe Memorial”

The History of the V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports

In 1974 the Soviet Union won the bid to become the host of the 1980 summer Olympics. As its host city Moscow is miles inland a location was needed where the sailing events could be held. At this time Estonia, among other countries, was a part of the Soviet Union and its capital Tallinn wasContinue reading “The History of the V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports”

Linnahall Through Time

While living in Helsinki I was able to visit Tallinn easily, it was only a short and fairly inexpensive ferry trip away. Linnahall quickly became a fascination of mine. During each trip I would take a route from the ferry terminal to the old town that allowed me to walk across the stairs and staggeredContinue reading “Linnahall Through Time”

The Mysterious Linnahall

The following was written roughly four years ago after my first visit to Linnahall. Slowly decaying on a small section of Tallinn’s coast is Linnahall, an old sports and concert venue built in 1980. The venue was built as part of the Olympics that took place in Moscow in the same year. At this timeContinue reading “The Mysterious Linnahall”

Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru

The building now known as Original Sokos Hotel Viru first opened in 1972, after construction delays and a fire in one of the upper floors. Apart from being a hotel the building and its secret history plays an interesting part in the history of the city. The hotel is known for once hosting the KGB. Though,Continue reading “Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru”

A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town

Over the years I have visited Tallinn many times thanks to it being only a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Each time visiting new places and getting to know the city that little bit more. Whatever my plans they always include a trip to its Old Town. Tallinn’s Old Town refers to its medieval regionContinue reading “A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town”

St Olaf’s Church, Tallinn

St Olaf’s Church In Tallinn is thought to be from the 12th century, though the exact date is unknown. Its first written mention was  in 1267. Interestingly, it is thought that at one time, between 1549-1625, this was the tallest building in the world. More interestingly, during the Soviet Union the tower was used byContinue reading “St Olaf’s Church, Tallinn”