The Estonian capital is the political, cultural and economic center of the country and has an interesting history. The almost thousand-year history characterizes the townscape mainly through different architectural styles. The main sights of
Tallinn is best explored on foot. The old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is divided into the Toompea (Domberg), a limestone hill dominating the area with almost vertical slopes, and a larger lower town at the eastern foot of the Toompea. Ramparts, city walls and defense towers surround almost the entire old town over a distance of almost two kilometres. Of the former 35 defense towers along the city wall, 26 are still preserved. The 48 meter high "Lange Hermann" on Domberg, the city's landmark visible from afar, also served to defend the city. The center is formed by the town hall square with the Gothic town hall. The most impressive and dignified building in the Upper Town is the Cathedral Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on Kiriku plats. In comparison to the old town, the buildings on the Domberg are noticeably more recent. There is an incomparable view from the Kohtuotsa observation deck
to the picturesque tangle of tiled roofs and spiers of the lower town.