Local Information Having been invaded, sacked, pillaged, bombed and finally conquered innumerable times over the centuries, you may be forgiven for thinking there was nothing in Tallinn over 50 years old. But the Estonian capital retains a greater connection with its past than the majority of other European cities. A prime example of Tallinn's ancient charm is the old town, where most visitors head. The old town is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved old cities, and is considered one of the jewels in the Estonian crown. The Upper Old City - or Toompea Hill - is the oldest part of Tallinn, inhabited since pre-history. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the 19th century it was the main residence of the aristocracy and clergy. In addition to having Tallinn's oldest buildings, it also has good viewing platforms. The defensive wall ringing the old city is the town's most striking feature and definitely worth a visit. While Riga and Vilnius's walls were destroyed, almost all of the original 2.5-kilometre-long wall around Tallinn from the 1500s is still intact today. Of 27 towers, 18 have survived the various sieges and bombardments Tallinn has sufferred. But while the city retains a classical atmosphere, it has also been modernising at breakneck speed. This is especially evident in the city centre, where development has been proceeding at a head-spinning pace. The city has seen an explosion of bars and clubs, such as Molly Malones, O'Malleys, St Patrick's and the Englishman, all catering to the stag party scene. But regardless of whether you go for a romantic break, or for a wild one, you'll find what your looking for in Tallinn.
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