2025 Tallinn Old Town Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#europetrip Visiting Tallinn’s Old Town felt like stepping into a living museum. As I walked through the Viru Gates, the cobblestone streets and medieval buildings seemed to hum with history. I explored the winding alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and quaint shops selling handmade crafts. In Raekoja Plats, I lingered by the Town Hall, admiring its Gothic architecture and the timeless charm of the square. Climbing up Toompea Hill, I reached a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the town. The red rooftops and towering spires stretched toward the horizon, a perfect blend of past and present. Tallinn’s Old Town wasn’t just a destination—it was a journey into a world of stories, waiting to be uncovered at every turn. 📍Address: Tallinn Old Town

Walking through Tallinn, Estonia, feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are lined with medieval buildings, each telling a story of the city’s rich history. Start at the Town Hall Square, where the spire of the Gothic town hall pierces the sky. Wander up to Toompea Hill for stunning views of the city and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral's ornate domes. Don't miss the medieval towers, like Kiek in de Kök, that dot the city’s ancient walls. Tallinn’s blend of history, culture, and charming cafes makes it a must-visit destination. #100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #instatravel #citywalk

Tallinn's Old Town is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you're transported back to the Middle Ages, surrounded by well-preserved buildings, ancient churches, and towering city walls. The stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the historic Town Hall Square are must-see highlights. Quaint cafes, artisan shops, and lively markets create a welcoming atmosphere. The views from Toompea Hill offer a breathtaking panorama of the city. Whether exploring hidden courtyards or enjoying traditional Estonian cuisine, Tallinn's Old Town is a treasure trove of history and culture #100WaysOfTravel #instatravel #localguides #historicallandmarks

#summerdestinations Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a delightful destination to visit in the summer. Here are some highlights and tips for your trip: Must-See Attractions 1. Old Town (Vanalinn): Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats): The heart of the Old Town, surrounded by colorful buildings and cafes. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: An impressive Russian Orthodox cathedral. St. Olaf’s Church: Once the tallest building in the world, it offers great views from its tower. Toompea Castle and Toompea Hill: Historical and governmental hub with stunning views of the city. Tips 1. Weather: Summers in Tallinn are mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Pack layers and a light jacket for cooler evenings. 2. Getting Around: Tallinn’s public transport system is efficient and includes buses, trams, and trolleys. The Old Town is best explored on foot. 3. Currency: Estonia uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller vendors. Enjoy your visit to Tallinn! #summer #mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #estonia

I went to Estonia, one of the three Baltic states 🇪🇪 To be honest, it's a hidden gem that you don't hear much about in Japan, but it was a wonderful city full of exotic atmosphere with many old-fashioned buildings remaining ✨ This time, I've put together a collection of cute doors I found in the old town of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia 🚪 The doors, each with their own unique character that you'd expect from a historic city, were like something out of a storybook! —————————————————Spot information📍Location: Tallinn Old Town🚗Access: From Tallinn International Airport to the entrance to the Old Town, Viru, take the bus for 25 minutes (line 2, 2 euros), then the tram for 25 minutes (line 4, 1.5 euros), then the taxi for 10 minutes (around 10 euros with the ride-hailing app Bolt or Uber)💡Recommendation: Tallinn Old Town, a World Heritage Site, is beautiful not only for its spectacular views and tourist spots, but also for the finer details of its architecture #Estonia #TallinnOldTown #BalticStates #EuropeTravel #PhotogenicSpots #WorldHeritage #OverseasTravel #TravelWithMe #IStartedMoments

Tallinn Old Town, a World Heritage Site with a medieval streetscape 🇪🇪 I'd like to introduce a wonderful alley I found in this Estonian city ✨ — Viru Street — The second and fifth photos are Viru Street. It rained the night before, so I was walking around looking for a puddle early the next morning, and I found one in the perfect position, so I took a picture in it ☂️ The second photo is upside down, so please turn your smartphone around to see it! Maybe because it was taken right after it rained, the water was crystal clear and the reflection was very beautiful 😍 It was a main street like a fairy tale world that runs from the Viru Gate (East Gate), one of the entrances to Tallinn Old Town, to Raekoja Square ✨ — Müürivahe Tänav — The third photo is Müürivahe Tänav, a street along the city walls. During the day, you can climb the wall from the tower near the Viru Gate in the southeast of the Old Town and enjoy the Old Town while walking along the corridor. You can also climb to the top of the tower itself (Herreman's Tower), and along the wall are rows of stalls selling knitted products, known as the "sweater wall." This is one of the recommended areas in Tallinn's Old Town. — St. Catherine's Passage— The fourth photo is St. Catherine's Passage. It was full of wonderful elements such as stone arches full of fantasy, beautiful cobblestones, the soft light of street lamps, and pointed roofs visible from the street✨Even in Tallinn Old Town, where medieval streetscapes remain and it feels like a fairy tale world, this is my personal favorite alley😍 So far, I've summarized three recommended alleys in Tallinn Old Town, Estonia, one of the three Baltic states🇪🇪To be honest, it's a hidden spot that you don't hear much about in Japan, but it was a wonderful city full of exotic atmosphere with many old-fashioned buildings✨— ... Tallinn's Old Town, a World Heritage Site, is not only beautiful in terms of its stunning views and tourist spots, but also in the finer details of its architecture. #Estonia #Baltic States #European Travel #Overseas Travel #Travel with Me #I've Started Moments #Photogenic Spots #Hidden Spots Recommended for Travel Lovers

Amazing city with lots to see and do. I stayed at Merchants hotel in the old town and was perfectly placed. Spent the day wandering around the old town and along a little bit of the coast by the ferry terminal. Everyone was super friendly and next day caught the ferry to helsinki which was really easy.

#romanforum Exploring the Roman Forum in Tallinn offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with history and culture in a setting that bridges ancient traditions and modern innovation. Strolling through this impressive site, one can admire reconstructed columns, arches, and stone pathways that evoke the grandeur of the Roman era. The forum provides informative displays detailing Roman engineering, civic life, and the influence of ancient practices on today’s society. Local guides share insights that connect the past to the future, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This immersive experience fosters an appreciation for history’s enduring impact and inspires reflection on how ancient wisdom can shape tomorrow’s world with lasting influence.

📌 Tallinn, Estonia I'm never one to decline an opportunity to explore another country and this time I found myself in beautiful Tallinn, Estonia's charming and medieval capital. It shaped out to be my favourite city break in all of the countries I've visited and here's why you should do it too. Why visit Tallinn? ⛪ Beautiful medieval vibe 🧭 Small, compact city, very easy to navigate and the city can be conquered in just a couple of days 💰 It's a very budget-friendly city to visit 🤫 It's a nice, chilled out and cosy atmosphere in the winter 🍽️ Excellent choice of food and drink establishments Arriving on a cold Saturday, I landed at the main airport at 10:50am. Heading outside the terminal I immediately found a bus ready and waiting to the city centre, costing just €2. 📷 Exploring Tallinn I then headed straight to my hotel to leave my bag, then I was straight out into the centre which is still enclosed within the medieval city walls and really stands out compared to the more modern outer-urban city areas. You'll know if you're in Old Town when you see the cobbled streets and striking array of medieval-style buildings. ⛪ I passed buildings like St. Nicholas' Church (Picture 2) on my way into Main Square which is usually where I will head first on any city visit, as they normally very quickly give you a feel for what the city will be like. 🏫 I arrived at Tallinn City Hall, which overlooks the Main Square in the centre of the Old Town (Picture 3). Here, many claim that the very first Christmas tree was placed in the 15th century 🌲 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, after which, legend has it they danced around the tree and then burned it. 🧭 From here I did a self-guided City Tour and this took me down 'Pikk Tänav' (or in English, 'long street'), one of Tallinn's oldest. Here, you'll find a great collection of cafés, bars and bakeries in 15th century style. 🎥 Continuing, I passed buildings such as Sõprus Cinema (Picture 4) which is the hub of Tallinn's nightlife and St John's Church (Picture 5) which you may notice has a more modern look: it was completed in the 19th century. ⛪ I then reached Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Picture 6), a relic from Russia's occupation of Estonia. 📷 To get a good glimpse of the city, I came to Patkuli Viewing Platform (Picture 1) which you cannot miss on your visit to Tallinn as it gives you some excellent picture moments and if you want to summarise the city in one picture, this is just the way to do it. 🍽️ Time for something to eat, I enjoyed a Carbonara at a local restaurant before retiring to bed for the night. Day 2: 🚢 I was keen to see the harbour of Tallinn which is just by the city's Maritime Museum so took a walk up the jetty to take in the views (Picture 7). 📺 Onwards, to Tallinn TV Tower (Picture 8), a short bus from the city. Take the lift to the top for excellent city views (on my day, it was misty so hard to see the city but it was an adventure still and saw some great sights!). 🌃 Back into the town to Patkuli Viewing Platform for a completely different perspective on the city. The city is just a real piece of art at night when the buildings light up and the Church of St. Olaf of Hungary really stands out above the rest (Picture 9). 👋 Time to go back to the airport. I felt like the right way to say goodbye to the city was to view it back through Viru Gate (Picture 10) which cuts the Old Town from the rest. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Tallinn and I can recommend it to absolutely anyone! Great for solo trips or trips for couples that are looking for a relaxed, friendly vibe. I can't wait to return.

#europetravel Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a beautiful city rich in history and culture. Walking through its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like traveling back in time with medieval buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and impressive towers. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Olaf’s Church are stunning landmarks. Toompea Hill offers breathtaking city views, while Telliskivi Creative City showcases Tallinn’s modern artistic side. The city’s museums, such as the Estonian History Museum, provide deep insights into its past. Tallinn’s blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for history and culture lovers.

Just a 2-hour ferry ride from Helsinki, Estonia has always been an easy escape, but this time, I decided to go beyond Tallinn and venture into Tartu—Estonia’s university city, home to the Aha Science Centre. What started as a simple trip turned into a blend of medieval charm, modern creativity, and hands-on discovery. 🏰 Tallinn: A Fairytale Old Town with a Modern Edge Arriving in Tallinn, I was immediately reminded why this city never gets old (pun intended). The medieval Old Town, with its cobbled streets, pastel houses, and towering spires, felt like stepping into a storybook. I wandered through the Town Hall Square, climbed to Toompea Hill for the best panoramic views, and even stopped for a coffee at Maiasmokk, Estonia’s oldest café. But Tallinn isn’t just its historic beauty. Across the city, I found cool, artsy spots like Telliskivi Creative City, where old factory buildings have been transformed into hip cafés, street art, and design stores. The mix of old-world charm and modern creativity made it hard to leave, but Tartu was calling. 🚆 Tallinn to Tartu: A Scenic Train Ride The 2-hour train journey to Tartu was relaxing and scenic, passing through Estonian forests, fields, and quiet countryside. Tartu has a totally different energy—younger, livelier, and full of students. Walking around, the University of Tartu’s historic buildings gave the city a classic, intellectual vibe, while the street art and local cafés made it feel modern and fun. 🔬 Aha Science Centre: Play, Experiment, and Explore The highlight of my time in Tartu? The Aha Science Centre. This wasn’t just a museum—it was an interactive playground for anyone curious about science, space, and physics. From standing inside a giant soap bubble to testing out a hurricane simulator, every exhibit made me feel like a kid again. It’s the kind of place where learning feels like an adventure. 🌅 Back to Tallinn – One Last Stroll Before Heading Home After a full day of exploring, I took the evening train back to Tallinn, where I had just enough time for one last sunset walk along the coast before catching the ferry back to Helsinki. ✨ Final Thoughts Tallinn is always worth a visit, but adding Tartu to the trip made it even better. A mix of medieval history, modern creativity, and hands-on science fun, this Estonia getaway was the perfect mix of past, present, and future. #Tallinn #Tartu #EstoniaTravel #AhaScienceCentre #WeekendEscape #travel#thingstodo#familytravel#citydaytours

#Overseas Travel Strategy Poland is an Eastern European country facing the Baltic Sea, known for its medieval architecture and Jewish heritage The three Baltic states are the three countries that line the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, south of Finland, from north to south VOL.3 introduces the sights of Tallinn's old town and Pärnu, the capital of Estonia This is a record of the eight days from leaving Japan to returning home °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• Travel Itinerary 🔸Day 6 8:00 Travel by bus to Pärnu, Estonia, about 180km, about 3 hours🚌 11:00 Arrive Pärnu Sightseeing in Pärnu, Elisabeth Church, Tallinn Gate, etc. 12:00 Travel by bus to Tallinn, about 130km, about 2 hours 14:00 Lunch 15:00 Start sightseeing in the World Heritage Site of Tallinn's Historic District Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, Raekoja Square, Three Sisters, etc. 17:00 Arrive at hotel Park Inn by Radisson Meriton 19:00 Dinner ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹ 🔸Day 7 9:00 Take bus and walk to Kadriong Palace, about 3km, about 30 minutes including walking🚌🚶 10:00 Arrive at Kadriong Palace 11:00 Take bus and walk to hotel, about 3km, about 30 minutes including walking🚌🚶 12:00 Walk to Tallinn Old Town, about 1km, about 10 minutes Lunch, shopping, St. Nicholas Church, etc. 15:00 Return to hotel 15:30 Take bus to Tallinn Airport, about 7km, about 15 minutes 18:30 Leave Tallinn, fly to Warsaw by Polish Airlines✈️ 19:10 Arrive Warsaw 22:50 Leave Warsaw, fly to Narita by Polish Airlines✈️ ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⊹ 🔸Day 8 18:30 Arrive Narita °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• 🔹 Useful items Rain gear, tissues (often not provided at hotels), eco-bag 🔹 Things to be careful of when returning to Japan Meat, meat products such as instant noodles, and raw fruit are prohibited from being brought into Japan 🔹 Duty-free limits for entry into Japan Up to 3 bottles of alcohol (approximately 760ml per bottle) Up to 200 cigarettes

Tallinn's Old Town is dotted with souvenir shops selling traditional Estonian crafts and unique designs. Handmade woolen products, wooden goods, and Estonian honey and jams are especially recommended. Paintings and accessories by local artists are also popular. These items allow you to feel the nature and culture of Estonia, making them perfect for travel memories. The interiors of the stores have a warm atmosphere, and there are many spots that are easy to stop by in between sightseeing. -------------------------------------- 📍 Pikk tn 15, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia 🕰️ 10:00-20:00 --------------------------------------- #Free hotel stay #Estonia trip #Tallinn old town

Tallinn's Old Town is a fascinating place with the best-preserved medieval streetscape in Europe. Narrow cobblestone alleys and beautiful squares retain a strong historical atmosphere. In particular, Raekoja Square is lined with brightly colored buildings and cafes, and is bustling with locals and tourists. In addition, the symbol of Tallinn, Toompea Castle, and the tower of St. Olaf's Church, built in the 13th century, overlook the entire Old Town, offering breathtaking views. In addition, the Town Hall and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are also worth visiting, allowing you to feel the history of Tallinn in depth. This Old Town, where you can feel like you've traveled back in time to the Middle Ages just by walking around, is a must-visit spot for history lovers and photography enthusiasts. 📍Raekoja plats 1, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia #FreeHotelStay #EstoniaTrip #TallinnOldTown

Rüütel & Matilda English Bookshop in Tallinn is a hidden gem of a bookstore for English book lovers. Located on a quiet street in the Old Town, it not only has a wide selection of English books, but also has a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. You can enjoy a wide variety of genres, from travel and history books to literature and children's books. If you visit during your walk around Tallinn, you may find a wonderful book. 📍Rüütli 4, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia #FreeHotelStay #TravelToEstonia #TallinnOldTown

#europetrip Tallinn Old Town’s borders are marked by its well-preserved medieval walls, which stretch around the historic core like a protective embrace. Originally built in the 13th century, these stone fortifications include towers like the iconic “Fat Margaret” and “Kiek in de Kök,” offering glimpses into the city’s past. Beyond the walls, modern Tallinn hums with activity, but within, the cobblestone streets and ancient gates transport visitors to a bygone era of knights and merchants. The Old Town’s borders not only define its charm but also preserve its rich history as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 📍Address: Tallinn Old Town

#europetrip The cobblestone streets of Tallinn Old Town felt like stepping into a fairytale. Entering through the Viru Gate, I wandered among pastel-colored buildings and narrow alleys, their charm frozen in time. At Toompea Hill, I admired the sweeping views of red-tiled roofs and spires. Inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the soft glow of candles and scent of incense brought peace to my journey. In the Town Hall Square, a lively Christmas market filled the air with music, mulled wine, and the warmth of festive cheer. As night fell, lantern-lit streets glowed with magic, and the town felt alive with stories of the past. Tallinn Old Town was more than a visit—it was an unforgettable escape into history and wonder. 📍Address: Tallinn Old Town

Tallinn old town is a must go attraction point in Estonia ! don't miss this !

#magicalxmastrip Stepping into Tallinn’s Old Town is like walking straight into a medieval fairytale. Nestled in the heart of Estonia’s capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, and it’s a dream destination for history buffs and wanderers alike. The charm begins at Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), the vibrant heart of the Old Town. Surrounded by colorful merchant houses and overlooked by the impressive Gothic Town Hall, this square has been a hub of activity since the 13th century. During the winter months, it transforms into a magical Christmas market, complete with twinkling lights and festive cheer. As you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter Tallinn’s iconic landmarks. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its striking onion domes, reflects the city’s Russian influence, while the towering Kiek in de Kök and Fat Margaret transport you back to the days of fortified city walls and watchtowers. Tallinn’s Old Town isn’t just about history—it’s also alive with culture. Hidden courtyards house artisan workshops, while charming cafés serve up local delicacies like marzipan and smoked fish. Whether you’re exploring medieval alleyways or simply soaking in the ambiance, Tallinn’s Old Town promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia, where most of the population resides. The city has shopping malls and supermarkets such as Coop and Rimi. Most importantly, Tallinn is a beautiful city rich in history. It is located on the Baltic Sea coast and perfectly blends the old with the new. Here are some must-visit places when you come to Tallinn. Old Town Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the Old Town, you will find cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, churches, and fortifications dating back to the 13th-16th centuries. During the winter season, this area transforms into a market adorned with beautiful lights, ready for Christmas.

#Overseas travel record #Estonia #World Heritage Site #Journey to experience history and culture 📍Location: Tallinn, Estonia🇪🇪 Estonia is a country that can be reached by ferry from Finland in about 2 hours! The old town was cute no matter where you looked and there were many tourists! 🏰 The city had markets and other lively places, so it was fun! Also, Estonia has relatively low prices in Europe, so there were many people buying snacks and drinks! 🍬 There was a historic pharmacy in the old town, but it was closed when we visited, so unfortunately we couldn't go🥺I hope everyone will visit it! ❣️ On the ferry, there was music playing, you could eat at the bar, there was a supermarket and some small game machines, so the 2 hours went by in a flash✨

Olde Hansa, an internationally renowned medieval-themed restaurant, is located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. The restaurant's decor and the staff's attire perfectly recreate the style of medieval Europe. The waitstaff are very enthusiastic in introducing and explaining the dishes. While waiting for your meal, you can also walk around the restaurant and enjoy the unique charm of the ancient architecture.

Tallinn treats

This time we chose the three small Baltic countries. The public security is good, and most attractions can be reached by walking in the old city. It is a small city where you can stroll around leisurely. Unfortunately, the weather was almost always cloudy and rainy during the three days and two nights we stayed there, which was a bit regrettable.

Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn) is the oldest part of Tallinn, Estonia. The Old Town of Tallinn has managed to wholly Preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin. The Old Town represents and exceptionally intact 13th century city plan, and since 1997 , the area has been registered in the UNESCO world heritage list , and the Old Town is bordered by the walls of Tallinn. Enjoy a drink in the Old Town Square, a town square is the undisputed hub of many European towns and cities, and it’s no different in Tallinn Old Town . Tallinn Town Hall Square is the centrepiece of the city and a magnet for tourists , and why ? , because its vibrant and it offers a place to sit , relax, grab a drink and a bite to eat and watch the world go round in one of the most beautiful settings in Tallinn. I was on a budget and restaurants and bars around town square can be a bit pricey , but it’s still a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the ambiance of The Old Town. In the square is the Tallinn Town Hall , Gothic and built in the thirteenth century which hosts concerts and tours. I also walked through the Viru Gate , an historical landmark built in the 1300s , 2 ivy covered watchtowers mark the entrance to Tallinn’s old town .

Estonia, one of the three Baltic states 🇪🇪 World Heritage Site: Tallinn Historic Center The medieval cityscape surrounded by castle walls and the orange roofs are so cute 💕 It's fitting to call it a fairy tale land ♣︎! Each shop sign is unique! It may still be a relatively unknown country for Japanese people as a travel destination, but it is a hidden gem 💡 ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦ 📍Spot information #Alexander Nevsky Cathedral A church towering on a hill Designed by Mikhail Preobrazhensky and built with donations The black onion roof is cute 💕 #Kovtutsa Observatory An outdoor observation deck with a panoramic view of the orange roofs of the old town #KKök Museum and Fortress Tunnel KKök Recommended for those who want to see medieval fortresses #St. Nicholas Church The view from the top of the tower is amazing! The church itself is a museum The famous painting "Dance of Death" is a must-see! #Tallinn Old Town #Overseas travel #Baltic countries #Estonia #Solo travel

#September2024 Tallinn Old Town is the oldest part of Tallinn, Estonia. Despite fires and wars over the centuries, the Old Town has managed to retain the integrity of its medieval and Hanseatic origins. The Old Town therefore represents an extremely complete 13th century urban planning‼ ️🌁 Tallinn's Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 💖📝 It still hosts many important events and is constantly developing. For example, the center of the old town, the Town Hall Square, is where Estonians welcome heroes who have made great achievements abroad. There is also the Christmas market, Tallinn's oldest cafe, the old city walls, towers and the Toompea Hill Observation Deck, which has unparalleled views. Tallinn Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and the most popular attraction for foreign tourists in Estonia. It is a must-see‼ ️

#citydaytours The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an exceptionally complete and well-preserved medieval northern European trading city on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The combination of the upper town on the high limestone hill and the lower town at its foot with many church spires forms an expressive skyline that is visible from a great distance both from land and sea.