Comparison between St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Helsinki: Architectural Styles and Urban Feel

When discussing the architectural and urban characteristics of St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Helsinki, it's important to separate the urban landscape based on regional and historical influences. This analysis offers a comparative look at these three cities, exploring how their architectural styles and overall urban sensations differ and converge.

St. Petersburg vs. Tallinn and Helsinki

Often mistaken as provincial and rural compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Helsinki stand out distinctly from one another. I have not personally visited Tallinn, but my observations of St. Petersburg and Helsinki suggest that these two cities are not at all alike.

St. Petersburg: To me, St. Petersburg appears beautiful, while Helsinki does not. While St. Petersburg's wide streets can pose a challenge for pedestrians, the city retains a charm that Helsinki seems to lack. The wide streets, even with a green light, can be treacherous, as a pedestrian may need to move quickly to cross. In contrast, Helsinki's streets offer a more efficient and appealing pedestrian experience.

Historical Architectural Influences

The periods before and after major historical events, such as the First World War and the Second World War, reveal how architectural styles in St. Petersburg and Tallinn mimic those in Helsinki. Certain parts of St. Petersburg built before the First World War exhibit architectural features very similar to those in Helsinki, both built in the same country around the same time. The architecture in the center of St. Petersburg resembles a scaled-up version of Helsinki, although the houses may be four times as large.

In contrast, parts of St. Petersburg built after the Second World War and before 1991 display a design reminiscent of Tallinn. During the Soviet occupation, Tallinn adapted Soviet architectural norms, resulting in architecture that, while widespread, may not be particularly beautiful. However, the streets of Tallinn still exude a unique charm and historical significance.

Urban Feel and Cultural Influence

The urban feel in each city is vastly different, but certain aspects can be distinctly compared. In St. Petersburg, the influence of West European architecture, mainly Dutch, blended with Russian aesthetics is noticeable. This blend creates a distinct urban vibe, especially in the pre-First World War architecture. Helsinki and Tallinn, on the other hand, have a more German/Scandinavian influence, which is evident in their urban design.

St. Petersburg, a large city with a population of around 5 million, dwarfs both Tallinn (about 430, 000) and Helsinki (about 670, 000). Architecturally, St. Petersburg is less about growing organically in the area and more about being influenced by West European styles, particularly Dutch, which is evident in its buildings.

Similarities and Differences

Soviet-era neighborhoods also exist in both Tallinn and St. Petersburg, comprising blocks of flats. This similarity can be observed in neighborhoods that developed during the same period. However, the overall population and scale of St. Petersburg are significantly larger.

Tallinn gives you the feeling of a fantastically preserved old important city of the Hanseatic League, with a prominent German influence. In Helsinki, the mixed influences of a vibrant sea side, German and Scandinavian can be felt through its design.

Conclusion

To sum up, while St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Helsinki share some architectural influences due to their historical and geographical contexts, their overall architectural styles, urban design, and cultural influences differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help travelers and urban enthusiasts appreciate the unique qualities of each city.