Town Hall of Tallinn

The Town Hall of Tallinn

The Town Hall of Tallinn was originally built in 1371 and is the only remaining Gothic building in Northern Europe. It was reconstructed between 1402 and 1404 for the purpose of receiving guests. On its roof stands a slender Islamic-style minaret piercing the clouds, designed based on a blueprint drawn by a German explorer. Atop the spire stands a sword-holding warrior as a weathervane, locally known as Old Thomas. Waving in the wind, he cuts a commanding figure as the guardian of the ancient town of Tallinn. Near the base is a series of nine arches, and inside the arched passage lies a medieval merchants' trading hall.

In 1241, merchants from Hamburg and Lübeck formed a guild aimed at maintaining local order and protecting the interests of German traders. Allied with the swords of the Teutonic Knights, their influence extended all the way to the eastern Baltic Sea, and Tallinn became a German-influenced city. The legacy of the German community is still visible in Tallinn—the row of small houses along the main street leading to the North Gate Fat Margaret were once residences or warehouses for German merchants. With the passage of time, some of these buildings have been converted into dining spots or cafés. Stepping inside for a quiet drink, one can’t help but be filled with nostalgic sentiments of “how many times has history brought sorrow.” The second floor of the building is the main level, housing the Citizens’ Hall, the Council Hall, and the Magistrates’ Court. The third floor serves as an exhibition hall open to citizens and visitors.