Tallinn TV Tower - one of the attractions of the capital of Estonia. Built during the Soviet era, it has experienced a turbulent restoration of the country's independence, reconstruction and today is one of the tallest television towers in Northern Europe.
History
The 1980 Olympic Games involved many cities in the European part of the Soviet Union in their infrastructure. The main part of the events took place in Moscow, and a sailing regatta was organized in Tallinn. Many facilities were built for the upcoming games, Estonia received a TV tower. The ceremonial laying of the object took place in September 1975, and the opening at the official level took place in the summer of 1980.
Tallinn TV Tower, having received priority in supply for the speedy completion of all work, postponed the start of work on the Vilnius TV Tower, for which all the necessary equipment had already been prepared. The technical equipment was transferred to Estonia, the telecommunications facility in Vilnius became operational only a year later.
The architects of the building in Estonia are D. Basilidze and J. Sinis, engineering solutionsV. Obydov and E. Ignatov were engaged, the position of foreman was performed by A. Ekhala. The total height of the Tallinn TV Tower is 314 meters. It consists of a reinforced concrete shaft (190 m) and a metal mast (124 m).
It is believed that the Tallinn TV Tower got its silhouette thanks to the figure of Old Thomas. The chief architect Vladimir Obylov, having seen the sculpture on the spire of the City Hall, decided to give the TV tower the shape of the main symbol of the city. So the high trunk symbolizes Thomas' legs, his hat is an observation deck, and the role of the flagpole is given to the antenna.
Main parameters
In the lower part of the TV tower with a diameter of 15.2 meters there is a two-storey building where technical equipment, a conference center, and lobbies are located. At a height of 140 meters from the ground, the diameter of the tower decreases to 8.5 meters. The construction of the facility required more than 10 thousand cubic meters of concrete and about 2 tons of iron.
Construction work brought together more than 30 enterprises across the country. The design of the tower consists of three main elements - a foundation that goes into the ground by 8.1 meters, a reinforced concrete shaft and an antenna. The most interesting place of this attraction is the superstructure with a diameter of 28 m, located at a height of 175 meters.
Fire
The year of the opening of the TV tower was remembered not only by the regatta, the commissioning of the facility itself, but also by the fire that happened. During the final work, welders worked in the premises, and due to the negligence of one of them, a fire broke out in the shaft of the tower shaft, where the cables caught fire.
The flames quickly rose, one of the employees - Väino Saar - managed to cut the cables at the height of the 23rd floor, which prevented a catastrophe. The consequences of the disaster were eliminated as soon as possible. A month later, only memories remained of the situation.
Tipping times
In August 1991, the Tallinn TV Tower became a symbol of the restoration of Estonian independence. At its foot, the most important events took place, which led to the separation of the country from the USSR. The impetus for the events was the August putsch in Moscow.
August 20, 1991, a few minutes before midnight, Estonia declared its independence and secession from the republics of the Soviet Union. Supporters of independence settled in the TV tower. The military assault yielded nothing, and the suppression of the putschists in Moscow led to the lifting of the siege in Tallinn and the independence of Estonia. In memory of these events, an armored personnel carrier was installed on the square in front of the tower.
Reconstruction
In November 2007, the observation deck of the Tallinn TV Tower was closed to the public. The reason for this was the inconsistency of fire safety, as well as the desire of the authorities to create a modern tourist facility that will attract visitors with entertainment and bring additional funds to the city's treasury.
The authors of the renovation project were a group of architects led by A. Kyresaar and the architectural bureau KOKO Arhitektid OÜ. The TV tower received a new monumental entrance group, was completely rebuiltrestaurant and a modern observation deck. The presentation and opening took place in early April 2012.
Rising to the 22nd floor, tourists can enjoy a magnificent view of Tallinn and the B altic Sea. The interior design of the premises is designed in a futuristic style. Visitors are offered interactive screens with which they can get acquainted with the history of the city, opening views in retrospect and at different times of the year.
Modernity
Today the TV tower is open to visitors throughout the year. Tourists and residents are invited to relax in the luxurious restaurant Galaxy, which received a modern design after reconstruction. Through the panoramic windows you can see in detail the picturesque surroundings of the capital and the sea.
The photo exhibition in the foyer is of interest, reflecting all the stages of the construction and life of the tower, as well as the events that took place around it, many works are devoted to the latest reconstruction of the object. Here you can also buy souvenirs - magnets, postcards and much more that a traveler can leave as a keepsake.
Tallinn TV Tower is still used for its intended purpose. It has equipment that broadcasts television and radio signals throughout the country. After the renovation, a lot of additional space appeared around the object. Some of them are of commercial interest and are rented out on a permanent basis or for events.
Rides
Visiting the television tower in Estonia also brings vivid impressions. Those who like to tickle their nerves can take advantage of the “Walk along the Edge” attraction - those who wish are offered a long walk along the very edge of the observation deck at an altitude of 175 meters from the ground. Safety is provided by safety ropes, and the promenade is documented with photos.
Tourists who are not ready for risk can expect a spacious fenced observation deck, where telescopes are installed with the possibility of a wide and targeted view. Also, visitors can use interactive boards, which provide information about the history of the TV tower, local attractions. The text language can be selected. On weekdays and holidays, the Tallinn TV Tower awaits tourists.
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday (inclusive) from 10:00 to 21:00.
- Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00.
Each visitor has the right to his share of adrenaline, for which glass portholes are built into the floor of the observation deck. Standing on such a piece of the floor, you can feel yourself floating in the air. In the foyer of the first floor, at the foot of the tower, there is a studio where everyone can try their hand at being a TV presenter. The hero can send the recorded program to his acquaintances and friends.
Useful information
Tallinn TV Tower in winter and at any other time of the year welcomes tourists. The cost of a visit for one person is 10 euros, a visit as part ofgroup will cost each participant 9 euros, the annual subscription is priced at 31 euros. There are also discounted tickets for preferential categories of visitors.
Tallinn TV Tower is visible from almost any part of the Estonian capital. Address - Kloostrimetsa tee (Kloostrimetsa tee), 58 A.
This tourist point can be reached by your own car, a special parking area is provided for its parking. There is also public transport to the Tallinn TV Tower. How to get there? On buses of routes No. 34 D, 49 or 38. For tourist buses there is always a place in the parking lot.
