Private City of Contrasts

Private City of Contrasts Setting out from the pier, you will see the modern and bustling city center of Tallinn, Estonia, home to many banks, shops and offices, sitting side by side with houses from the beginning of the 20th century. During the Soviet period, in the 1970's, Lasnamäe was constructed as a vast residential district of never-ending plain apartments. Driving from Lasnamäe to the Kose-Pirita district, you will see a very different type of architecture - private houses from the 50's and 60's with their neat little gardens. Just across the Pirita River lie the majestic ruins of St. Bridget's Convent. The largest convent in Old Livonia, it was founded in 1407 but destroyed by Ivan the Terrible's forces in 1577. The coast of the nearby Viimsi peninsula saw the arrival of its first inhabitants around the 13th century. Buildings developed along the coastline and gradually mixed settlements appeared, where Swedes, Finns and Estonians lived side by side. During the Soviet period, Viimsi was the centre of a prominent collective fish farm. Even today you can see the old farm buildings alongside new houses which are rapidly appearing. A visit will be made to the Viimsi Open-Air Museum, which was founded in 1980 and displays peasant architecture. Finally, enjoy some light refreshments at a restaurant overlooking the picturesque seashore before you return to the ship pier.