Freedom Square, Tallinn

Freedom Square was built to commemorate the soldiers who were killed during the Estonian War of Independence. This war was part of the Russian Civil War that occurred between WWI and WWII. The war actually took place from November 1918 through February of 1920. During the struggle, 4,000 people were killed and another 14,000 were wounded.

The idea for a tribute started in 1939, but Estonia was swept into WWII shortly after the independence was declared. After WWII Estonia was part of Soviet Union and it wasn’t until 1991 that the country was again independent. During the Soviet times, this plaza was called Victory Square. This beautiful area has been redesigned to reflect the freedom of the Estonian people and to pay tribute to its fallen citizens.

On the west side of the square is the Victory Column. It was completed and opened in June 2009. The column is surrounded by 143 plates of glass and is topped by the Cross of Liberty. The Victory Column serves as a memorial for those who fell during the Estonian War of Independence. On the east side of the square is the lovely Saint John’s church.