Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and in 2011, it will also be the European Capital of Culture. It is the biggest cultural event in the history of Estonia.

Tallinn lies on a historically unique crossroads by the sea. It is the place where eastern and western cultures meet, a touching point between Northern and Central Europe. It has the Old Town that is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It has grand song celebrations that talk about the lasting love for music and quest for freedom of the Estonian people. Global statistics show that people here go to the theatre more than anywhere else and read more books than anywhere else. Culture in Tallinn is interwoven with the present day and fast development. Tallinn is the cradle of Skype and wireless Internet is just as self-explanatory as the air that we breathe. And you do not have to go far to find yourself in the midst of beautiful landscapes. Tallinn has managed to always maintain its image of being both tolerant and obstinate.

However, there is still a paradox that Tallinn has to fight to this day. Tallinn is a seaside city, but it is still not fully open to the sea. It seems that the people of Tallinn live with their backs turned towards the sea. They do have their reasons – recent history has made access to the beautiful beaches surrounding the centre of Tallinn difficult for both political and economic reasons. But whatever the reasons, the capital of culture wants to look into the future and solve this paradox. Improve the city environment and bring the city and the sea together again. We want Tallinn to proudly tell its seaside stories as part of the capital of culture programme and also after the end of 2011.

In 2011 there is something going on everyday in Tallinn, because the Year Capital of Culture brings together all the best people from Estonia and from all over the world. Visit the European Capital of Culture Tallinn webpage www.tallinn2011.ee and find event you are interested in!