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TALINN
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Republic of Estonia >Capital: Tallinn
Population: 1,423,316
Land Area: 43,211 sq km
Languages: Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, English, Finnish, other
Ethnic Groups: Estonian 65.1%, Russian 28.1%, Ukrainian 2.5%, Byelorussian 1.5%, Finn 1%, other 1.8% (1998)
Currency: Estonian kroon (EEK)
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Alexander Nevsky
Russian Orthodox Cathedral, an ornate onion-domed structure that has also been nicely restored.Nearby is the medieval Lutheran Toomkirk, or Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin (Estonians are largely Lutheran), which is relatively plain inside, except for the 17th century wooden epitaphs in the form of coats of arms which occupy much of the wall area. These heraldic memorials to wealthy individuals whose families paid for the privilege of having them buried under the floor of the church (giving them a head start on paradise) give witness to Estonia's German past. It was common also to donate a horse to the church for use on church lands, and that the horse was present in the church during the interment service. After Catherine the Great objected, however, the horse was invited out during the ceremony.
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Talin
is a city of cobblestone streets, old churches, rumbling trams, the cheerful clatter of glasses and conversation at sidewalk cafes. Tallin is a jumble of contradictions - an intact medieval city encircled by Soviet era buildings and the Baltic Sea. The heart of the Old City beats in Raekoja plats, (Town Hall Square). In summer, the umbrellas of sidewalk cafes sprout from the square's cobblestones. Tallin's medieval Town Hall (1371-1404) dominates the square. Tallin is one of Europe's few medieval cities still wrapped in its original defense walls, which include Viru Gate and Great Coast Gate. Tallin's crooked streets and hidden courtyards are an irresistable reminder of medieval days in this fairy tale city.
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Rocca Al Mare
is an open-air museum, located four miles from Tallin. A walking tour through a beautiful forest area on the seacoast provides authentic examples of the 18-19th century rural architecture, farmhouses, country pubs, windmills, chapels, etc.
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Lahemaa National Park
is located approximately one hour's drive from Tallin. The park covers intact landscapes of different types - coastal low lands, pine forests, limestone cliffs, waterfalls and rapids. There are several well-restored manor houses providing insight into Estonian 18-19th century life and in contrast, the fishermen's way of life observed in a fishing village.
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