- Address: 10133 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Built: in 1371;
- Website: riigikogu.ee.
One of the most popular historical places in Estonia is the tower "Long Herman". Her name is legendary, this name was owned by the warrior of Germanic legends, it was translated as "Long Warrior". There is nothing surprising, because indeed the tower resembles an inexorable guard.
Tower "Long Herman" - description
The tower "Long Herman" is not a lonely building, but one of the towers of Toompea Castle - a majestic structure in the central part of Tallinn, which stretches for 9 sq. Km. km. This building has a huge centuries-old history, the tower "Long Herman" ( Tallinn ) became famous for being the highest elevation. The first mention of the tower dates from the year 1371. Its powerful appearance, it looks like a defensive structure, it's not for nothing that the Danes built it to conquer Estonia. It was an observation platform, its height was 45.6 m, and above sea level it seemed even higher, because it was located on a steep rock. From the top of the tower you could watch the sea and the dangers that were coming from that side.
It had the following structure:
- On the first tier of "Long Herman" was a barn.
- The next tiers housed a dwelling and training rooms.
- On the ground floor at a depth of 15 m was a prison for prisoners. They were descended down the rope, but among the people there were legends that the prisoners were eaten by lions who were constantly downstairs.
- On the upper floors there were military exits with observation slots.
The tower went up the stairs, which was lifted. If the enemy was on the first floors, the defenders moved upwards, while removing the ladder, and the capture of the tower was always suspended. Throughout the history of the tower on its summit fluttered the flag, according to which it was clear who currently owns the region. On the tower "Long Herman" were Danish, Swedish, Russian and Soviet flags. The flag of state Estonia appeared on the tower only on December 12, 1918, and then came the period of Soviet power, and the state flag in blue-white-black tones returned only in the beginning of 1989.
Tower "Long Herman" in our days
To date, next to the tower "Long Herman" is the Estonian parliament, and the state flag is constantly monitored. Its dimensions are 191 by 300 cm, and every day the attendant rises to the top during sunrise and raises the flag.
The tower is inaccessible to visitors, except for the Day of the National Flag, when you can get to its top. Also there are excursions to the Estonian Parliament, during which there is an opportunity to get inside the tower. Until now, not the entire Toompea Castle has been preserved, only the northern and western parts of the strong walls remain, as well as the two towers - Landskrona and Pilshtiker.
Local residents say that the strength of the "Long Herman" depends on the strength of the tower "Tolstaya Margarita", which in the Middle Ages was his bride. There is a whole legend about the girl and the young man, between whom there was a great love.
Among all the towers of the old city of Tallinn, "Long Herman" is a symbol of power, because even the ruthless time could not crush the high building on which the flag is dispelling.
How to get there?
The tower "Long Herman" is located in the Old Town , in this area transport does not go. But you can get to it without much difficulty, it is in walking distance from the railway station, you can reach it in 15 minutes. To do this, you will need to pass to the right of the station, keep the path along Nunne Street, then Pikk jalg. After passing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , at the first crossroads it is necessary to turn left, then the road will go to the right. At the next intersection, you must turn right again, after which the tourists will be directly next to the tower.