In March 1944, Tallinn experienced one of the most severe bombing raids of World War II, leading to significant destruction in the city. On March 9th and 10th, Soviet bombers carried out airstrikes that obliterated around 8,000 buildings, which is estimated to be a third of the city. This bombardment had a particularly devastating impact on Harju Street and the area surrounding the Estonia Theatre, a cultural symbol for the Estonian identity, where a ballet performance was interrupted by the attacks. Other significant structures, such as the Niguliste Church and the medieval weighing house in Raekoja Plats, were also damaged or destroyed during the raids.

The first wave of the bombing began unexpectedly at 7:15 PM, lasting until 9:15 PM, followed by a second wave arriving at 1 AM, which continued until 4:30 AM. Approximately 280 Soviet bombers participated in this assault, dropping a substantial number of incendiary, explosive, and phosphorus bombs on the city. The attacks caused widespread destruction and loss of life, marking a tragic chapter in Tallinn's history and contributing to the overall toll of the war on Estonia.

This event not only signifies the physical destruction of a significant portion of the capital but also represents a deeper narrative of resilience in Estonian history. The bombing coincided with the cultural flourishing of Estonia, illustrating the tragic juxtaposition of wartime destruction against the backdrop of national identity and cultural heritage. The loss of landmarks such as the Estonia Theatre highlights the impact of war on the cultural fabric of the nation, and the memory of these events continues to resonate in Estonian collective memory today.