Estonia's largest wooden building 'Taru' opens in Tallinn

Last week Estonia's largest public timber building complex opened in Tallinn's Kalamaja district next to Seaplane Harbour. This landmark near-zero-energy complex officially known as Loodusmaja (Nature House) or 'Taru' is highly celebrated for its architectural ingenuity, winning Estonia's prestigious Wooden Building of the Year award. The building's architecture blends sustainable materials with massive, curved glued-laminated timber ceilings, using natural light to create a spacious feel.

Taru, means "beehive" in Estonian, serving as a clever wordplay on tark ruum ("smart space")

The Nature House Taru complex consists of three buildings connected by an underground level, with a total floor area of nearly 25,000 square metres. In addition to the Natural History Museum relocating here next year, several institutions related to the Ministry of Climate and the Language Board will also find a new home here.

Designed to bring together people and institutions dedicated to nature and the environment, Taru is a new hub for knowledge, cooperation and sustainable solutions.

An Estonian in Poland

I am deeply shocked by the shooting that took place in Krakow yesterday. I spent my summer holiday in Poland with my family this year and we stayed near the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny). Kraków’s Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and is a vibrant hub of activity that welcomes millions of visitors each year. Poland has long been regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe, but sadly that changed yesterday when a crazed gunman killed 9 people and left 16 others and 2 horses injured. 

Rynek Główny

Today is a national day of mourning in Poland. For people who have family and friends living in Poland, our hearts will be heavy today, comprehending everything that has happened. In August, I remember walking around Krakow with my father and brother, enjoying the atmosphere and frequently passing by market square during the day. Our apartment was located on the corner of Sławkowska Street. It's utterly tragic to think that area is now a place of great sorrow. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

Photo flashback: Tallinn 1910

 A winter's day on Jaani Tänav in 1910.

Only a few weeks to go until Tallinn's Christmas market opens!

The festive season is soon approaching and one of the best ways to start the season is a trip to the Tallinn Christmas market. Often rated as one of the best in Europe, The Tallinn Christmas market has it all from traditional food and drink, handicrafts, light shows and live entertainment. Tallinn's Christmas market is unique in many ways but above all it has an amazing atmosphere that is truly magical. The Tallinn Christmas market officially opens on November 20, more information can be found here.

Tana on Hingedepäev!

Today is Hingedepäev / All Souls' Day in Estonia. This is one of my favourite ancient Estonian traditions as it's a day on which we reflect and honour the memory of our departed ancestors and loved ones. Hingedepäev is the day of spirits when it is believed that the veil between the living and that of the dead is at its thinnest. On this day, it is customary to visit the cemetery or to light candles at home to welcome the spirits. My home will be aglow from dusk this evening. Head Hingedepäev!

What's special about Tallinn's Church of the Holy Spirit?

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Tallinn is a medieval Lutheran church built in the 13th century. The  church is located near the famous Café Maiasmokk in Tallinn’s Old Town and is unique for several historical and architectural reasons. The Church of the Holy Spirit is the smallest medieval church in Tallinn and originally functioned as a hospital and almshouse chapel for the poor.

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Püha Vaimu kirik)

Here are six interesting facts about Tallinn's Church of the Holy Spirit.

During medieval times, the church was the main sanctuary for common townspeople. After the Reformation, the first sermons in the Estonian language (instead of German) were held here. 

Oldest Church Bell: The tower holds Tallinn's oldest church bell, dating back to 1433, which features a unique historic inscription.

Bernt Notke Altar: The interior houses a famous 1483 double-winged main altarpiece carved by the renowned Lübeck master Bernt Notke, depicting the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.

First Estonian Book: In 1535, the church's pastor, Johann Koell, published a catechism here that is considered the first-ever printed book in the Estonian language.

Balthasar Russow, the famous Estonian chronicler, was a pastor at the Church of the Holy Spirit from 1563 until his death in 1600. He published The Chronicle of Livonia in 1578.

The Facade Clock: This elaborately carved and painted wooden clock was created by Christian Ackermann in the year 1684. The clock is Tallinn's oldest public timepiece and still works today.

The Holy Spirit Church is part of Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the city’s most important medieval ecclesial buildings.

Who is Estonia's fastest man?

Karl Erik Nazarov is Estonia's fastest man of all time. He holds the Estonian national outdoor record in the 100-metre sprint, with a time of 10.18 seconds, which he set on June 16, 2023 at the Heino Lipp Memorial in Jõhvi, Estonia. Karl also holds the national indoor record for the 60-metre sprint at 6.55 seconds.

Andrei Nazarov (Lesthal) and Karl Nazarov

Karl is the son of my cousin Natalja and I am so proud that he has achieved this title. It's a great accomplishment. As a young boy Karl dreamed of being an athlete like his uncle Andrei. A former decathlete, Andrei competed in the Olympic Games twice in addition to the World Championships and was a trainer and mentor for young Karl. Today there are two Nazarovs who have left their mark on Estonian sport and there may be a third in the future. Karl became a father for the first time last month and I'm sure little Franz will receive a lot of encouragement from his father and great uncle to reach his full potental.