Timeline: The Early History of Kadriorg — Conquests, Estates and the Rise of a Palace

1200–1600: The Estonian Coast and the Tallinn Region — Conquests and Shifting Powers

1219 – King Valdemar II of Denmark conquers Tallinn.1227–1346 – Control passes to the Livonian Order and various bishoprics.1346 – Denmark sells Harju and Viru counties to the Teutonic Order.1561 – During the Livonian War, Tallinn comes under the protection of the Kingdom of Sweden.1600–1609 – Sweden consolidates its power in the region, laying the groundwork for later conflicts.

During this period, the Kadriorg area remains a natural coastal zone on the edge of Tallinn, used as:

• pastureland,

• a source of timber and stone,

• the location of small farmsteads or simple summer houses.

1600–1690: The First Summer Estates on Tallinn’s Eastern Edge

In the 17th century, German-origin merchants and Baltic gentry in Tallinn begin establishing small summer estates (Sommerhäuser) outside the city walls.

In the Kadriorg area appear:

• wooden summer houses,

• modest gardens,

• small orchards,

• quiet seaside plots.

Kadriorg is not yet a name — it is simply “the place outside the city where one goes to spend the summer.”

1700: The Beginning of the Great Northern War

The Great Northern War (1700–1721) breaks out — a major conflict between the Swedish Empire and Tsarist Russia.

The main confrontation:

• The Swedish Empire vs

• Tsar Peter I of Russia, who sought access to the Baltic Sea and control over important trade routes.

Peter’s strategic goal was explicit:to break Sweden’s dominance in the Baltic and secure a maritime gateway to Europe for Russia.

1710: Tallinn Surrenders to Russia

August 1710 – After a long and devastating plague, Tallinn’s council capitulates to Russian forces.

Peter I guarantees the townspeople:

• freedom of religion,

• preservation of local privileges,

• continuation of Tallinn’s self-governance.

Tallinn becomes part of Russia, yet local land ownership — including summer estates — initially remains unchanged.

1710–1715: Peter I Discovers Kadriorg

Peter begins visiting Tallinn regularly.He rents a local summer estate situated in what is now Kadriorg Valley.

The owner refuses to sell — even to the tsar.

Peter realizes that:

• Kadriorg’s natural setting is strikingly European: a valley lying between limestone cliffs and the sea,

• the area is strategically placed, close to both the city and the harbour,

• and it is ideal for creating a new, Western-influenced cultural centre for Russia.

1718: Purchase of the Future Palace Grounds

When the first estate proves unobtainable, Peter I acquires another nearby property with an even more favourable natural layout.

He invites Niccolò Michetti, an Italian architect known for his distinctly baroque, Western-oriented style.

This is no coincidence: Peter intends to build a manifesto, not merely a residence.

1718–1725: Construction of Kadriorg Palace

A baroque palace begins to rise — designed to demonstrate that:

• Russia can build with the same elegance as Western Europe,

• Peter is elevating the cultural standing of his empire,

• Tallinn now forms part of a larger, Western-facing imperial project.

At the same time, a formal park, alleys and vistas are created, transforming the area into a cultural focal point.

1721: End of the Great Northern War — Treaty of Nystad

Sweden loses most of its Baltic provinces.Estonia, Livonia and Ingria are formally incorporated into the Russian Empire.

Kadriorg becomes one of the symbolic sites of Russia’s new presence on the Baltic coast.

Summary

1200–1600 – A succession of conquerors — Danes, the Livonian Order, Swedes. Kadriorg remains a natural coastal zone beyond the city.

1600–1690 – The first Baltic German summer estates appear; a quiet holiday region emerges.

1700 – The Great Northern War begins (Sweden vs Russia).

1710 – Tallinn capitulates to Russian forces.

1710–1715 – Peter I rents a summer estate in Kadriorg but cannot acquire it.

1718 – Peter purchases a neighbouring property and initiates the building of the palace.

1721 – The war ends; Estonia becomes part of the Russian Empire. Kadriorg gains cultural and political significance.

This blog post is written out of genuine interest in history and does not claim to be an academic or fully factual historical account.