Toompea

Toompea (German: Domberg) is a Limestone Hill in the central part of the city of Tallinn. It is about 20-30 meters higher than the city around it and covers an area of about 400 by 250 meters.

The first wooden castle, Lindanise, is believed to have been built on the hill in either the 10th or 11th century by residents of the ancient Estonian county of Revalia. It was probably one of the first inhabitated areas of what later became Tallinn. In 1219 the castle was conquered by Danish crusaders - led by Valdemar II. According to a beautiful legend very popular among Danes, the very first Flag of Denmark (Dannebrog) fell from the sky during a critical stage of that battle, resulting in Danish victory over the Estonians.

During the subsequent different rulers (Teutonic Order, Sweden, Imperial Russia) Toompea, as a separate "upper town" part of Tallinn was able to retain a variety of special rights and privileges, the last of which remained in the books until 1889. Toompea was joined with other parts of Tallinn ("lower town") in 1878.

In folklore the city is known as the grave of Kalev.

The Parliament and the Government of Estonia (Stenbock house) are situated there. Other sites include the Pikk Hermann tower.