Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This panoramic view of Tallinn is from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, in the Upper Old Town. This area was once an almost separate town, heavily fortified, and has always been the seat of whatever power that has ruled Estonia. The hill occupies an easily defensible site Immediately below are the red roofs and towering spires of the Lower Old Town, this area is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and the authorities are continuing its rehabilitation. Behind the Old Town are the gleaming high-rise buildings in the new part of the city. In the background to the left is the Gulf of Finland, the port and the Pirita district. The marina was built for the Moscow Olympics of 1980.