Hestia Hotel Ilmarine is located at the foot of Tallinn’s Old Town and on the edge of the popular district of Kalamaja. Our guests appreciate comfort and a good location, along with the special atmosphere – the spacious interior of the building relays its fascinating industrial history. Additionally, the quicky Kalamaja district starts at the foot of the hotel, along with many local popular restaurants.
Exceeded expectations in the heart of the city
Hestia Hotel Ilmarine
The history of Hestia Hotel Ilmarine
Hestia Hotel Ilmarine is situated in the Kalamaja (literally “fish house”, for the earlier fishing industry here) subdistrict, which has over centuries been one of the oldest and largest suburbs of Tallinn.
Kalamaja was first mentioned in written sources in 1421, but nobody doubts it was populated much earlier than that. It is believed that even in ancient times the fishermen from the surrounding villages had their temporary houses in the area of the current Suur-Patarei Street. The word “house” originally meant a temporary stopping place. The Livonian Chronicle of Henry also uses the word “house” repeatedly in the same meaning.
Written sources mention the names of fishermen starting in 1352. One can only guess that they lived in Kalamaja. The main inhabitants of the area were Estonians, Swedes, and Finns. They had various jobs, such as captains of larger boats, craftsmen, fishermen and carriers.
The subdistrict had its own church in the middle of the 15th century. According to the name list of 1527, there were 78 independent households in Kalamaja. Although the houses were small, several house owners had subletters. It was fairly popular to live in Kalamaja and, thus, the population grew fast. However, the city officials found it troublesome. They tried to set limits to the growth but without much success.
The Kalamaja subdistrict has burnt down several times (in 1570, 1710, 1854) during battles in Tallinn but it has always been restored. The largest suburb of Tallinn has had an important role in the development of our national city culture. The cultural history of the area is exceptionally rich. There are places that have played a significant role in the independence of Estonia and influenced the course of the Estonian War of Independence.
ILMARINE
In 1880, Friedrich Wiegand bought a large piece of land between Jahu Street and Põhja Avenue (Põhja Avenue 27) and set up several magnificent factory buildings designed by architect Nikolai Thamm. Wiegand successfully expanded his company in Kalamaja despite the industrial crisis that was already beginning in Russia at the time. Due to the contemporary modern technology that was used in the factories, confusion was avoided. The first electricity plant in Tallinn was set up in the factory and in 1882, gas lights were replaced by electrical lights. The company produced steam engines, steam boilers and equipment for distilleries. In 1920, Ilmarine Plc bought the factory from Wiegand. In the course of becoming an independent country, access to the wide Russian market was lost and marketing had to be reorganised to local and western markets. It was not easy but, once again, it was successful due to the use of progressive technology. The other key factor for success included experienced specialists. In 1923-1924, the Puhk family became the major shareholder of Ilmarine. They set up a powerful flourmill on the grounds. In the 1930s, Ilmarine used three different plants: for metal, flour, and pasta industries.
The tall elevator tower of the Puhk family flourmill was blown up during World War II. After the war, Ilmarine produced automation and auxiliary equipment for boilers. After the restoration of Estonian independence, the Ilmarine Centre was established in the place of the industry in Kalamaja (the original limestone exterior was maintained) and the sentimental Ilmarine Quarter was set up by Suur-Patarei Street.
Centuries-old architecture and 21st century comfort meet in the Hestia Hotel Ilmarine.
We welcome guests who value privacy and comfort, perfection of each detail and find balance in new, yet in fact centuries-old experiences.