During the 13th ad 14th centuries, Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia, was the main market square for merchants associated with the powerful German Hanseatic league. Goods sourced from around the Baltic and Scandinavian regions were sold and traded to customers who, in some cases, traveled great distances to reach the market. Though the square still supports a thriving market, most of its present-day customers are tourists, and the bulk of the items offered for sale are crafts, souvenirs, and traditional foodstuffs.
Most buildings surrounding the square have been converted for tourism uses as well, becoming cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, while the square itself has become a major entertainment venue. During the summer, a giant stage in the center hosts open air concerts and cultural performances from around the region. In the winter, the space is transformed into a magical Christmas market, with a towering spruce tree at its center.
Barbara, I love you blog!
Thank you SO MUCH, Peter. It really means a great deal to me when someone says that. You just made my day!