TOWN HALL (TALLINNA RAEKODA)

The town hall. The only Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, it was first mentioned in 1322. However, it wasn't until 1402-1404, when it was rebuilt, that it adopted the exterior appearance we know today, when Tallinn was a flourishing Hanseatic city. Its tower is said to have been modelled on the minarets of the Orient. Overlooking the town hall, the weather vane, Old Toomas, has protected the city since 1530. The tower's spire was destroyed by a Soviet air raid in 1944. For the record, it's the oldest town hall in the Baltic States. Since 1975, the building has once again been used by the town hall for ceremonies, concerts and as a museum.

In summer , visitors can also climb the spiral staircase to the top of the octagonal Gothic tower to admire a magnificent panorama of the old town and city center. Open from June¹ to August 31, daily from 11am to 6pm. Admission €3. Free with Tallinn Card.

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). For centuries, a market was held in the square next to the Town Hall, even before it was built. In fact, this very spot has served as a gathering point for traders since prehistoric times, according to the results of archaeological excavations carried out during the renovation of the forecourt. During German rule of the Baltic, all decisions and judgments were made here. Of the 5,000 people who lived in Tallinn at the time, 1,500 were German and held all the important positions. At the heart of the city, this square was the scene of many events, both positive and negative: carnivals, weddings, Christmas celebrations, trials, revolts... It was also here, for almost 800 years, that the country's public executions took place. During the peasant revolt of 1806, 72 people were put to death in one day. It's hard to imagine this massacre today, as the square exudes a sense of peace and calm. The square has retained its cultural and central influence on the city. The many cafés and terraces that flourish here in summer add to the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere, and it's not uncommon to see shows, medieval carnivals and open-air concerts.