April 16: Tallinn – Vanalinn 2

6745

In the yard of Niguliste kirik, a fascinating linear sunken area that I haven't yet been able to figure out.

6747

Interesting decoration of this window of the Niguliste's blue chapel.

6752

A rather lovely mural sign, recalling Engadin work. (The name means "Gallery Two.") (Also amusing is the name of the street, Rüütli, since it's so similar to the name of the meadow where Switzerland was confederated, Rütli, though in this case it apparently means "knight.")

6754

A modern stained-glass window (the church was damaged by WWII bombing), complementing the antiquity of the masonry.

6756

A strange yet somehow elegant bumpout on the side of the church tower.

6757

An old well, covered over, probably a smart idea.

6760

This means more or less "Restaurant Chez Grandma." The egg yolk is weirdly realistic, I think.

6761

Interesting bicycle-securing infrastructure.

6764

I veered back up into Toompea, starting through this watchtower.

6767

The steep road beyond, viewed from under the tower.

6770

The watchtower from up the road.

6772

Another palimpsestuous wall.

6777

Waaayyy back down to the watchtower.

6778

Foldout benches along the steep road for those who need to rest along the way, a nice idea. Also, a door to ????.

6779

A big haunted-looking old place overlooking the road.

6787

Elegant niches along the way.

6792

This is Toomkirik, or St. Mary's Cathedral, on Toompea. It was built in the 13th century and is the oldest church in the city. I like its layered accretion of volumes, a bit like the Hagia Sophia.

6794

Almost-horizontal sun on the cathedral tower.

6795

A pleasantly irregular assortment of apertures.

6797

Ducks.

6798

Ducks.

6799

Ducks.

6801

The outlook to the northwest from the yard (Piiskopi aed — Bishop's Garden) next to the cathedral. Elevated squares and gardens like this are some of my favorite urban spaces, maybe because they're a type of prospect-and-refuge, though with a little less refuge than in some other cases, I suppose. There are several of them on Toompea.

6809

Late sun. The altostratus was the cause of the wanness of the sunlight on the churches.

6810

Sun again, viewed from the back edge of Piiskopi aed.