Historical tours and workshops in Estonian:
12:00 Historical Walk: “Medieval Remedies, Potions, and Love Elixirs”
At the Azure Ceramics Tower (entrance from the Towers Square) with Mistress Krista Kaur. Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 8 Guilders, which may be procured HENCE.
The Middle Ages were a time most wondrous for healing potions, enchantments, and draughts of love. The greatest connoisseurs of herbs and brewers of curious liquids were the monks and apothecaries — wise folk skilled in the lore of plants and the art of blending.
It was behind cloistered walls and within humble apothecaries that potions of great virtue were most oft prepared. Among the finest and dearest of spiced wines was claret, a noble drink thought to possess healing powers. This rich elixir was brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg flowers, calamus root, saffron, ginger, honey, and grains of paradise.
Another famed potion, hippocras, too held cinnamon at its heart, with cardamom, coriander, allspice, and ginger lending their fire.
We shall together craft some of these ancient beverages and delve into the wondrous world of medicinal herbs and spices known to folk of old.
13:00 Historical Walk: “Public Dissection” at the Health Museum (Lai 30), max 25 people, age 14+. Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 15 Guilders, which may be procured HENCE
14:00 Ceramic Master-Workshop “Clay Felt by Hands and Senses”, with Mistress Aigi Orav, held within the Tower of Asuurkeraamika (entrance from the Towers Square). Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 30 Guilders, which may be procured HENCE.
The most ancient of all materials used upon this earth is clay. Long before the potter’s wheel was ever dreamed of, vessels were shaped gently between the hands of humankind. Clay asketh patience, stillness of mind, and a fine attunement of hand and heart.
In this workshop, thou shalt learn how thin the walls of a vessel must be pressed, how long the clay may be shaped ere it begins to crack and crumble, and what secrets lie in its touch.
Each piece formed may become, by thy will, a mug, a bowl, or a vase — fashioned as thou desirest.
Come, feel the earth between thy fingers and craft with the wisdom of ages past.
14:00 Historical Walk at the Town Hall Pharmacy Museum (Raekoja plats 11). FREE!
16:00 Historical Walk and Workshop: “Medieval Spices at the Town Hall Pharmacy” at Raekoja plats 11. Pre-registration required via email: revalirae@apotheka.ee, payment on-site (cash preferred for quicker processing).
Children up to 7 years old (inclusive) are free. Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 7 Guilders.
Raeapteek — the venerable Town Hall Apothecary — traded not only in potions and remedies, but also in spices, those most precious wares of the medieval world. A spice was not mere seasoning, but a symbol of wealth and rarity. In truth, it was common in those times to pay debts, settle accounts, or offer tribute in pepper and other costly spices.
In this workshop, we shall delve into the origins and history of these treasured grains. With mortar and pestle in hand, thou shalt grind thy very own luxurious spice blend, as would have pleased the merchants and alchemists of old.
And for those who desire it — a taste of the apothecary’s famed spiced wine, rich and warming as in times past.
Come barter in the aromas of forgotten empires and grind the gold of the East with thine own hand!
17:00 Historical Walk and Workshop: “Introduction to Early Bookbinding” at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (Laboratooriumi 22). Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 25 Guilders, which may be procured HENCE.
The Labora Paper and Print Workshop in Tallinn’s Old Town doth call upon townsfolk and travelers alike to step within its doors and behold how a book is born — from the very first fibre to the final binding.
In this noble master’s house, we shall follow each step of the ancient craft, gaining insight into how Estonia’s very first book came to be.
Under the guidance of a skilled master, each guest shall have the chance to make their own sheet of paper and, with the time-honoured method of letterpress printing, create a composition of their name in letters of lead and ink.
Come forth, and take part in the magic of word and parchment — as it was wrought in days of old!
18:00 Historical Walk and Workshop: “Sweet Middle Ages”
With Mistress Krista Kaur at the Hopner House (Vanaturu kael 3). Letter of Writ (Entry Token): 30 Guilders, which may be procured HENCE.
19:00 Historical tour
“Tales and Legends of the Old Town”
When the church bells chime the seventh hour, join Lord Jaak Juske for an evening tour through Tallinn’s storied streets.
We shall gather at the King of Denmark’s Garden, before the Maiden’s Tower (Lühike jalg 9a), where our journey begins.
