Town Hall
Northern Europe's oldest Gothic town hall has stood on Town Hall Square for 800 years. The Citizens' Hall, Aldermen's Hall and Old Thomas — turning since 1530.
Overview
Tallinn Town Hall Tour — 800 years of medieval power
The Tallinn Town Hall is Northern Europe’s oldest Gothic town hall — rising on Town Hall Square since the 13th century. Walk with me through the chambers and learn why Old Thomas spins on top of this tower.
Tallinn Town Hall is not just a symbol of civic power; it is the most magnificent Gothic building in our capital. First mentioned in written records back in 1322, this building is living history, inviting you to discover medieval grandeur and fascinating legends. Everyone knows Old Thomas (Vana Toomas), the guardian of the city who watches over us from the top of the Town Hall tower. But did you know that this legendary weathervane will celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2030?
A tour of the Town Hall offers a captivating look into the formation of Tallinn: on the cellar floor, you will see the walls of the very first town hall, upon whose foundations the current building—completed in 1404—was constructed. From there, we will walk through the majestic Citizens’ Hall, where the walls are adorned with replicas of magnificent 16th-century tapestries. Next, we step into the Council Hall, where court sessions and council meetings were once held, but where today visitors marvel at the wall paintings and intricate carvings on the council benches. In the accounts chamber, which was used as the mayor’s office up until the 1970s, you can see an authentic money chest, ancient account books, and precious gifts received over the centuries. The Town Hall is a place visited by high-ranking dignitaries and history enthusiasts from all over the world alike. You can admire the traces and signatures of these visits in the museum’s guest book.
Everyone should visit this medieval gem at least once in their lifetime. However, to ensure that no detail or gripping legend is lost, we highly recommend exploring Tallinn Town Hall with an experienced guide.
The Town Hall tour can be combined with a visit to the Town Hall Pharmacy.
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Highlights
- Northern Europe's oldest Gothic town hall (13th century)
- Old Thomas — symbol of Tallinn since 1530
- Hall of Aldermen and Citizens' Hall
- Stories of Hanseatic merchants and power struggles
- 1h guided tour