Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood, Tallinn

Right in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, tucked away safely behind the thick walls of a 15th century building, you'll find the priceless collection of Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood. The museum introduces visitors to the history of various orders of chivalry by presenting their exquisite badges, stars, and collars--true masterpieces of art and craftsmanship, often lavishly decorated with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Many are of an immense historical value as they once belonged to emperors, princes and princesses, famous military commanders, presidents, and politicians. Undisputed highlights of the collection include one of the oldest badges of the Order of the White Eagle, which belonged to Russian Emperor Peter the Great, interesting insignia of the last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Charles I, several collars of the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie, the badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece of the State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire Klemens von Metternich, Britain’s Princess Mary’s star of the Order of the British Empire, and many others. This is probably the only place where one can see the chain of the highest order of North Korea, outside the country. Along with insignia of the oldest orders, such as the Order of Malta, Military Order of Christ, Order of the Garter, Golden Fleece, the Black Eagle, and Alexander Nevsky, there is also insignia of the relatively newly established orders of Africa, Asia, and America. The museum has on permanent exhibit more than 700 pieces of insignia--part of its overall collection, which is constantly expanded. Arrange to visit Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood and other attractions in Tallinn using our Tallinn journey builder tool.