Human settlement in the area of Tallinn, now the capital of Estonia, dates back about 5,000 years. The first fortress was built on Tallinn Toompea Hill, or Domberg (Cathedral) Hill, in 1050.

The city of Tallinn has never been razed and hence retains much of its old-world charm. During the Second World War some Soviet bombing took place but the Old Town survived more or less intact.

The Tallinn Old Town (including Toompea) became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997.