- Address: Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia;
- Length: 753 m;
- Sightseeing: Blackheads House, St. Olaf's Church, Tolstaya Margarita Tower, architectural composition "Three Sisters" and others.
One of the most famous streets of Tallinn - Pikk is located in the Old Town . Every tourist who visits the capital of Estonia , for certain at least once passed through this famous avenue.
The history of Pikk Street in Tallinn
The first mention of this street dates back to 1362. Since that time, she has changed many names ("The Road to the Coast", "Long Road", "Pitk"). But the main destination of the street remained unchanged. It has always been the link between Nizhny Novgorod and Vyshgorod. Until now, remained part of the high fortress, which divided the feudal part of the city from the merchants. At one time it was even called the Wall of Distrust in view of the aggravation of relations between different strata of the population in Tallinn. And in the XV century on Pikk street even bulky gates appeared, which were closed every evening at 9 o'clock, and the guards watched that there were no contacts between the "top" and the "bottom".
In 1687, Pikk Street became the first in Tallinn, which was covered with a paved surface. In the XIX and XX centuries, this road was the main urban "artery", which connected the harbor and the center. There were many barns on the street, which the merchants used to store their supplies.
During the Soviet times, the inhabitants of Tallinn began to avoid Pikk Street. The reason for this was the deployment of several KGB units here, and the spire of Olaf's church was used by the Soviet authorities to "jam" the signals of Finnish television. But after Estonia gained independence, the legendary street once again became a favorite place for pastime of tourists and tourists.
What to see?
Almost every building on Pikk Street in Tallinn has a cultural and historical value. Fans of architecture will get special enthusiasm from the walk. Strict Gothic vaults are quickly replaced by elegant arnurovskimi facades, and medieval authentic buildings are adjacent to modern eclectic structures.
A selection of the most outstanding buildings on Pikk Street in Tallinn:
- No. 2 is a four - story house built according to the project of the famous Estonian architect Arthur Pern;
- No. 15 - "The Long House" , which was originally designed in the style of diele-dornse, but was rebuilt in the 19th century;
- No. 17 - Estonian Historical Museum (formerly the Great Guild was assembled in this building);
- No. 18 - the house "At the Dragon" with fabulous fire-breathing characters on the facade (built in 1910);
- No. 20 - a beautiful building that was first mentioned in the annals of the fourteenth century, belongs to one of the Guilds, the facade is adorned with the figures of Martin Luther and Knud;
- No. 26 - former House of Blackheads (the only Renaissance building preserved in Tallinn);
- No. 30 - a typical merchant house of the XIX century ;
- No. 65 - the temple of St. Olaf , which is called the church-mother of the whole Estonian people;
- No. 70 - Tolstaya Margarita Tower (formerly acting as a tool for the construction of the city wall, now it houses the Maritime Museum);
- № 71 - architectural composition "Three Sisters" , erected in the XIV century (now an elite hotel premium);
- No. 73 - Center for Children's Literature .
Also on Pikk Street in Tallinn there are several solid institutions: the Russian Embassy (No. 19), the Swedish Embassy (No. 28), the Estonian Ministry of the Interior (No. 61).
Be sure to check Pikk 16. Here is one of the most interesting Tallinn mini-museums, dedicated to the history of marzipan. You are waited with amazing sweet expositions, fascinating master classes, tasting and a big souvenir shop where you can buy delicious gifts for friends and family.
Cafes and restaurants in Tallinn's Pikk street
Walking along this historic street will surely be exciting and eventful. Probably, you will have to take a break to rest and have a bite. You can do it in any cafe or restaurant, which is not enough here:
- Schnitzel haus (№ 37) - here they prepare the best schnitzels in the city;
- Magnuna (№ 35) - there is a summer terrace, delicious international cuisine;
- Randevuu (No. 33) - a restaurant in medieval style, a rich menu with dishes for every taste;
- Anneli Viik Chocolates Cafe (№ 30) - a coffee house where you can taste delicious handmade chocolates;
- Bollywood (№ 31) - for lovers of piquant oriental cuisine;
- Hell Hunt (No. 39) - the bar serves excellent beer and delicious snacks;
- Cafe Mademoiselle (№ 29) - cozy confectionery with fragrant pastries and fresh coffee.
By the way, almost all cafes on Pikk street are located on the odd side. Have made it specially, so that the summer terraces of restaurants and cafes are not "clamped" on both sides of the main road and there was more free space.
Interesting Facts
Interesting facts about Pikk Street:
- Pikk street is translated as "Long" and is a continuation of Pikk-Yalg street - "Long leg" (next to Lhikike-Yalg street - "Short leg", which gave rise to jokes about the lame Tallinn, which hobbles on different legs);
- there are 73 buildings on Pikk street 73, but if you count roofs, count only 71 (houses No. 4, 6 and 8 are under the same roof);
- Tallinn's Pikk street can be seen in the cinema (here scenes were shot for such movies as "The Hound of the Baskervilles", "Naked in a Hat", "Omega Option");
- the total length of the street is 753 meters;
- 70 buildings out of 73 on Pikk Street have historical status.
How to get there?
Pikk street originates near Pikk-Yalg tower, further it goes to the northeast, passing through the Lower city.
At the end it is crowned by the Great Sea Gate and the tower "Tolstaya Margarita" attached to them.
From Freedom Square, walk to Pikk Street on the street. Pikk-Yalg, and from the Town Hall Square, you should move along Voorimehe street. In whatever part of the Old City you are not, the guide for you will be the brilliant spire of the Church of St. Olaf, which is visible from afar.