Viru Gate

Viru Gate

Viru Gate is one of the medieval entrances to Tallinn’s Old Town, consisting of two towers facing each other on either side. These picturesque, ivy-covered towers mark the beginning of Viru Street—one of the main pedestrian streets leading into the Old Town—and serve as the place where many visitors get their first impression of Tallinn’s historic center. Once you pass through this gate, the 21st century fades away, and you’re transported back to the mid-18th century, where you can slowly soak in the former glory and vicissitudes of this ancient city.

The pair of towers that make up Viru Gate is actually the only remaining main entrance to a more complex 14th-century gate system, which included a large square tower that can still be seen at the end of the street closer to the city wall. For the sake of easier traffic flow, most of the city gates were demolished in 1880. However, these two towers were preserved and have since become symbols of the city. Nowadays, both sides of Viru Gate are lined with numerous shops and cafés, bustling with people and lively activity every day.

Viru Gate

Must-visit reason: The most important gate of Tallinn’s Old Town

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Estonia[Estonia]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Harju County [Harju County]

City where the attraction is located: Tallinn [Tallinn]