Tallinn’s medieval Old Town (pictured here in 1924) is one of the best preserved in Europe, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. But the city has seen difficult times over the past century.

Declared the capital of Independent Estonia in 1918, it would soon be caught up in the broader sweep of 20th century history, occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941-44 and then the Soviet Union until 1991. Today, however, Tallinn is a thriving modern metropolis, home to more than half the Estonian population.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now discover the most visited attraction in every European country

Incredible historic photos of Europe's capital cities 100 years ago