- Address: Raekoja plats 1, 10114 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Discovery: 1404;
- Architectural style: Gothic architecture;
- Operating time: Mon. - Sat. from 10:00 to 18:00, day off - all;
- Phone: +372 645 7906;
- Website: raekoda.tallinn.ee.
The recognizable symbol of Tallinn is the Tallinn Town Hall, whose tower rises above the surrounding buildings. The Town Hall is located in the Town Hall Square , in the old part of the city. In 2004, its "age" reached 600 years - this is the best preserved medieval town hall in Northern Europe.
History of the Tallinn Town Hall
The town hall was erected on this site as far back as 1322, but it looked then quite different - it was a one-story limestone building. The town hall was radically reconstructed in 1402-1404: a second floor appeared with luxurious halls, a tower with a spire ascended into the sky. All this was in the heyday of the culture and trade of Tallinn (then - Revel).
Town Hall outside
Outside the Tallinn Town Hall draw attention to the spillways, made in the form of dragonheads - is the work of the city master of the XVII century. By Daniel Pöppel.
The spire of the town hall is crowned with a weathervane in the form of a guard with a flag, the guard has a name - Old Thomas. Now a copy of Old Thomas is placed on the spire, the original of 1530 remained to be stored in the basement of the town hall.
The total height of the Tallinn Town Hall is 64 m. At the level of 34 m there is a balcony on the tower, from which a nice view of the colored roofs of Tallinn houses opens. From here you can see the Gulf of Tallinn.
Town Hall from the inside
In the Tallinn Town Hall the premises of the 15th century are preserved:
- Hall of the Magistrate ; where the city government met, which passed laws and exercised judicial power;
- the burgher hall ; which had a different purpose - solemnly accept guests and citizens on the days of holidays;
- The Treasury , which was later turned into the mayor's office;
- wine cellar , where the old windows were preserved;
- Kitchen , where there is a reconstructed chimney.
Decorate the interiors of the Town Hall numerous works of art. Pictures in the hall of the Magistrate, devoted to the themes of wisdom, morality, justice, remind that here once passed court sessions. Six paintings of the XVII century. written on biblical themes. Benches are beautiful examples of medieval wood carving: on their backs are carved figures of Tristan and Isolde, Samson and Delilah. In the burgher hall, copies of tapestries hung here in the 17th century. (the originals are kept in the city museum). The walls of the treasury room are decorated with paintings depicting the royal personages of Sweden.
Hint for the tourist
The Tallinn Town Hall is open to visitors from the beginning of July to the end of August. From May 1 to September 15, you can climb the tower of the town hall.
The Tallinn Town Hall can be visited free of charge with the Tallinn Card. The map gives you the right to see more than 40 places of interest for free, make one free sightseeing tour, and free of charge to travel around the city by public transport and receive discounts for souvenirs, entertainment, food and drinks in restaurants in Tallinn.
How to get there?
The Tallinn Town Hall is located in the center of the Old Town , in the Town Hall Square . From the railway station Baltiyskaya, which is located on the border of the Old Town, to the town hall can be reached on foot for 10 minutes. The road from the bus station is less convenient - you have to go 30 minutes. on foot. From the international airport to the Old Town, you can take the city bus number 2, then from the stop A. Laikmaa will need to go 10 minutes. on foot.