House of the Noble Corporation of Estonia - the Estländische Ritterschaft

Welcome to Tallinn Old Town tour.

Our first station is the house of the Noble Corporation of Estonia. It was built in Neorenaissance style from 1846-1848.

The Noble Corporation of Estonia was initially formed as a community of interests of German vassals in the Northern Estonian provinces of Harrien (Estonian Harju) and Wierland (Virumaa). Its existence was documented first in 1252 while the territory was still under Danish reign. With the course of time the Noble Corporation transformed into a political entity representing the entire country, including the Estonian peasant population, but excluding the cities.

Interestingly the Noble Corporation of Estonia maintained its important role in society throughout the period of Swedish and Russian rule. By each sovereign it was granted extensive privileges until the early 20th century and was thus largely self-administrating with wide-ranging autonomy for the administration of the land and the application of law to its German and Estonian population.

Moreover, its privileges also guaranteed the practice of the Protestant-Lutheran faith and the use of German as the administrative language.

Address: Kiriku plats 1

Mosaics on the South façade above the entrance

Our next station is the prominent Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. It was built between 1890-1900 and follows with its onion-shaped cupolas the well known 17th century churches of Moscow.

On the outside façade you can see beautiful mosaic panels.

The lower mosaic on the South façade depicts Aleksander Nevsky who won a victory over the Swedes at the battle of Neva in 1240 and over the Teutonic Knights in the Ice Battle on Lake Peipsi. These battles are historically relevant because the border between Catholic faith (later Protestant) and Orthodox faith was sealed thereby.

Have a look at the upper mosaic: It depicts St. Sergius and Prince Vladimir who brought the Christian faith to Kiev.

When you go inside the church you will find altars dedicated to these men.

Stained glass windows depicting Mary, Jesus and John the Baptist

Now go to the main altar and have a look at the glass windows: They show Mary, the Redeemer and John the Baptist.

Address: Lossiplats 10

Portico of Kohtu 8

Our next station is a magnificent neoclassical city mansion built for Reinhold von Kaulbars. Von Kaulbars was a dedicated patriot for Tsarist Russia.

When you stand in the courtyard have a look at the text “PARENTUM VOTO AC FAVORE”. This translates into: “with parents’ wish and favor” and may be connected to the Napoleonic war in 1812 when the mansion was built.

If you look closely at the façade you also see Eros figures which root in the mythology of the ancient Greek who made sacrifices to the god Eros before going to war.

View from Pikk Jalg

The mansion’s architect was Carl Ludwig Engel who worked as Tallinn’s city architect from 1809-1814 and later designed the city center of Helsinki.

Von Kaulbars Mansion

Adress: Kohtu 8

In the court yard of the city mansion of Ungern-Sternberg

Our next station is the city-mansion of the Ungern-Sternberg Family. It was built in 1860 by the rich noble-man Evald von Ungern-Sternberg who owned almost the whole Island of Hiiuma.

With the building standing at the Toompea slope it has a great view over the lower old town and looks impressive from the Pikk jalg below.

Ungern Sternberg Maja as seen from Pikk jalg

If you have a chance take a peak inside the building – you will find a splendid interior designed by Martin Gropius in Renaissance style. A mirror hall with beautiful ceiling and a versitbule with relieves and sculptures with the main theme depicting Demeter and Persephone.

Over the time the mansion has hosted the Estonian Literary Society, the Estonian Provincial Museum and nowadays the Presidium of the Estonian Academy of Sciences.

Memorial for War of Independence (1918-1920)

In the court yard you will find a memorial erected for one-thousand Baltic Germans fighting together with the Estonians in the War of Independence.

Adress: Kohtu 6

A great neoclassical ensemble

Our next station is the neoclassical Stenbock city mansion. It received its name from its first inhabitant Pontus Stenbock. Over the time the building has served different functions: It was a pension for the students of Toomkooli, a courthouse and nowadays the seat of the Estonian government.

The Estonian government is working in the Stenbock House

Adress: Rahukohtu 3

Here the great-grandfather of Alexander Pushkin lived: Abram Hannibal

Our next station is Kommandandi maja, the Commander’s House. This baroque building was built around 1690 during Russian reign for the Commander of Tallinn. It served both as his residence and office.

Have you heard about Alexander Pushkin? The famous Russian poet? His great-grandfather Abram Hannibal lived in this house while he was commander of Tallinn from 1742-1752.

Adress: Toompea 1

The oldest school in Tallinn

Our next station is Toomkooli. It was founded in 1266 which makes it the oldest school of Tallinn. It operated until 1940. In 1765 it turned into a school for the children of the nobility and many famous people were educated in this school.

Memorial for Voldemar Panso

Today the building hosts the Higher Theatre School of the Estonian Music Academy. Have a look at the outside wall – you see a memorial for its founder and first director Voldemar Panso.

Adress: Toomkooli 4

enjoy the view

At the corner of Nurme / Pollu street you will find a house built as a summer house at the beginning of the 20^th century. Imagine enjoying an early summer sunrise in the little tower… you take a glance to your neighbour’s Veranda, the sun light is shining through the colorful Veranda windows greeting her with a mosaic of colors.

beautiful veranda

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romantic Villa in Nomme

Follow Lõuna street further and you’ll find a beautiful romatic villa at your right side. It was built in 1914, but it is unkown whether Ernst Kühner or Jacques Rosenbaum was the architect.