Toompark

Toompark is formed on the former earth fortification ground around the Shnelli pond. The pond is the only remaining part of the moat once surrounding the city. The pond gets its name after the city gardener Schnelli whose garden and house were situated here in the 19th century. In 1903 the Patkuli stairs starting from the viewing platform and connecting the upper Old Town and lower Old Town were opened here. At the same time the rest of the park was reconstructed. After the plans of Anton Soans a polygonal fountain was built by the pond and a rockery established. At the back of the park, under the slope of Toompea, a stadium was built for use of the central city schools. In the snowy winters a snow city is built here.