Tallinn Monuments to Be Relocated: 1790 Naval Battle Memorial Moves to Aegna Island

The City of Tallinn has initiated the relocation of two monuments in connection with the completion of the extension of Tallinn Secondary School of Science (Tallinna Reaalkool). The memorial "Anchor and Cannon," located between the school and the Südalinna Library, will be moved to Aegna Island after conservation in 2027. This monument commemorates the 1790 naval battle of Tallinn.

Taking its place will be the memorial to writer, educator, and long-time teacher and deputy head of Tallinn Secondary School of Science, Ernst Peterson-Särgava (1868–1958). Currently situated across the road between the Museum of the Bank of Estonia and the Solaris shopping center, the statue will be installed by the beginning of the new school year. After the school extension is completed, a knowledge square connecting the school and the library will be created at the same location.

City officials believe Peterson-Särgava’s memorial is more directly connected with the educational space being created. Students also knew him by the nickname "Habe" ("Beard") after decades of service at the school.

The 1790 naval battle memorial consists of the anchor and cannon of the Swedish warship Riksens Ständer, which took part in the battle fought in Tallinn Bay in 1790 and sank near Aegna. They were raised from the sea at the end of the 19th century and placed near the building of the former Russian Club, where the Südalinna Library stands today, as a memorial to the naval battle.

Aegna Island is located in the Bay of Tallinn, approximately 30 minutes by boat from the capital.