Tallinn TV Tower is one of the sights of the capital of Estonia. Built during the Soviet era, it survived the rapid restoration of the country's independence, reconstruction and today is one of the highest television towers in Northern Europe.
History
The 1980 Olympic Games involved many cities in the European part of the Soviet Union in their infrastructure. Most of the events took place in Moscow, and a sailing regatta was organized in Tallinn. For the upcoming games, many facilities were built, Estonia received a TV tower. The solemn laying of the object took place in September 1975, and the opening at the official level took place in the summer of 1980.
The Tallinn TV Tower, having received priority in supply for the speedy completion of all work, postponed the start of work at the Vilnius TV Tower, for which all the necessary equipment had already been prepared. The technical equipment was handed over to Estonia; the telecommunication facility in Vilnius became operational only a year later.
The architects of the building in Estonia are D. Basilidze and Yu. Sinis, V. Obydov and E. Ignatov were engaged in engineering solutions, A. Ehala was the construction superintendent. The total height of the Tallinn TV Tower is 314 meters. It consists of a reinforced concrete trunk (190 m) and a metal mast (124 m).
It is believed that Tallinn Tower received its silhouette thanks to the figure of Old Thomas. The chief architect Vladimir Obylov, having seen the sculpture on the spire of the Town Hall, decided to give the television tower the outlines of the main symbol of the city. So the tall trunk symbolizes Thomas' legs, his hat is an observation deck, and the role of the flagpole is given to the antenna.
main parameters
At the bottom of the TV tower with a diameter of 15.2 meters there is a building with a height of two floors, where there is technical equipment, a conference center, and vestibules. At a height of 140 meters from the surface of the earth, the diameter of the tower is reduced to 8.5 meters. The construction of the object required more than 10 thousand cubic meters of concrete and about 2 tons of iron.
Construction work brought together more than 30 enterprises throughout the country. The tower structure consists of three main elements - the foundation, which goes into the ground at 8.1 meters, a reinforced concrete barrel and antenna. The most interesting place of this attraction is a superstructure with a diameter of 28 m, located at an altitude 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 shaft of the tower, where the cables caught fire.
The flame rose quickly, one of the employees - Vyaino Saaru - managed to cut the cables at the height of the 23rd floor, which prevented the catastrophe. The consequences of the disaster were eliminated as soon as possible. A month later, only memories remained of the situation.
Tipping time
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, entailing the separation of the country from the USSR. The impetus for the events was the August coup in Moscow.
On 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 television tower. The military assault did nothing, and the suppression of the putschists in Moscow led to the lifting of the siege in Tallinn and Estonia becoming independent. In memory of these events, an armored personnel carrier was installed in 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 mismatch of fire safety, as well as the desire of the authorities to create a modern tourist site that will attract visitors with entertainment and bring additional funds to the city 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, the restaurant was completely rebuilt and a modern observation deck was built. The presentation and opening took place in early April 2012.
Climbing to the 22nd floor, tourists can enjoy a magnificent overview of Tallinn and the Baltic Sea. The interior design of the premises is designed in a futuristic style. Interactive screens are offered to visitors, with the help of which you can get acquainted with the history of the city, with views in retrospect and at different times of the year.
Modernity
Today, the television 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 panoramic windows you can see in detail the picturesque surroundings of the capital and sea distances.
Of interest is the photo exhibition, decorated in the lobby, which reflects all the stages of construction and the life of the tower, as well as the events taking place around it, many works are devoted to the last reconstruction of the object. Here you can 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. Here, equipment is installed that broadcasts television and radio signals throughout the country. After the renovation, many additional areas appeared around the facility. Some of them are of commercial interest and are rented on an ongoing basis or for events.
Rides
A visit to the television tower in Estonia brings a vivid experience. 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 using a photo.
Tourists who are not prepared for risk are expected by a spacious fenced observation deck, where telescopes are installed with the possibility of a wide and aimed view. There are also interactive displays for visitors, which provide information about the history of the TV tower, local attractions. The language of the text can be selected. Tallinn TV Tower awaits tourists on weekdays and holidays.
Opening hours:
- From Sunday to Thursday (inclusive) from 10:00 to 21:00.
- On Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00.
Each visitor has the right to their share of adrenaline, for which glass portholes are mounted in the floor of the observation platform. Having stood 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, a studio is open in which everyone can try their hand as the leading television broadcast. The hero can send the recorded program to his acquaintances and friends.
