Tallinn

St Alexander's Cathedral in the old town of Tallinn, Estonia. This Russian Orthodox church was erected in the palace square in the 19th century, but its architecture is typical of earlier, 17th century, Russian churches.

Naval port and capital of Estonia, 300 km/186 mi west of St Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland; population (1990) 505,100. Industries include the manufacture of electrical and oil-drilling machinery, textiles, and paper production. It is a major cultural centre, containing the Estonian Academy of Sciences and a number of polytechnic, arts, and other institutes. Founded as a Danish fortress in 1219, Tallinn was a member of the Hanseatic League throughout the Middle Ages; it came under the control of the Teutonic Knights in 1346, Sweden in 1561, and Russia in 1750. It was occupied by German forces in both world wars, and suffered widespread damage.

Many historic buildings remain in the city, including Vyshgorod Castle (13th-14th century) and the Town Hall (14th-15th century). Tallinn is also a centre for yachting.