TOWN HALL (TALLINNA RAEKODA)

The town hall. The only Gothic town hall in northern Europe, it was first mentioned in 1322. However, it was not until 1402-1404, when it was rebuilt, that it took on its present-day appearance, when Tallinn was a flourishing Hanseatic city. The tower is said to have been built on the model of the minarets of the East. Overlooking the town hall, the weather vane, Old Toomas, has protected the town since 1530. The spire of the tower was destroyed in 1944 by a Soviet air raid. For the anecdote, it is the oldest town hall in the Baltic States. Since 1975, the place is used again by the town hall for ceremonies, some concerts and also has a museum part.

In summer , visitors can also climb the spiral staircase to the top of the octagonal gothic tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the old town and the city centre. Open from June^1st to August 31st, every day from 11am to 6pm. Admission €3. Free with the Tallinn Card.

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). For centuries, a market was held in the square next to the town hall, even before the town hall was built. In fact, according to the results of the archaeological excavations carried out during the renovation of the square, the place itself has been a meeting point for traders since prehistoric times. During the German rule on the Baltic, all decisions and judgements were made here. Of the 5,000 people who lived in Tallinn at that time, 1,500 were German and held all the important positions. The heart of the city, this square has seen many events, both positive and negative: carnivals, weddings, Christmas celebrations, trials, revolts, etc. It was also the place where public executions were carried out in the country for almost 800 years. For example, during the peasant revolt of 1806, 72 people were put to death in one day. It is difficult to imagine this massacre today, as the square gives an impression of peace and calm. Today, 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 and peaceful atmosphere, and it is common to see shows, medieval carnivals and open-air concerts