Page 67 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

T ALLINN 65

Medieval Architecture
Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture in
Northern Europe. With its wind ing cobblestoned streets and rows of elegantly gabled
façades, the Old Town retains the true character of a medieval town centre. The
labyrinthine street structure developed in relation to the power seat of Toompea above
and the harbour below, with the all-important Town Hall Square and marketplace at
the heart of it. Although Tallinn flourished as a centre of trade in medieval times, it was
relatively quiet in the 19th century, which is prob ably why the Old Town was spared from
demolition. Tallinn’s medieval fortifications are also very well preserved, with some
2 km (1 mile) of the town wall and half of the original 46 towers still intact.

The gabled upper storey
was used for storage,
with a winch used to hoist
up merchandise.
A model of a medieval
merchant’s house can
be seen at the Tallinn
City Museum (see p67),
a 14th-century
build ing. The upper
storey was used to store
merchandise, and
guests were entertained
on the first floor.

Medieval towers are famous symbols of
the city’s history. Kiek-in-de-Kök (see p75)
and Fat Margaret Tower (see p71) are now
museums. Visitors can get a view of the
area by climbing the adjoining Nunna,
Sauna and Kuldjala towers.

Saiakang alley, which is just off Town Hall Square, is
one of the narrow medieval streets and passage ways
that make the Old Town so fascinating.

Lühike jalg, also known
as the “Short Leg”, is a
steep, atmospheric
passageway that was
built in the 13th century
as a link between the
stronghold of Toompea,
or the Upper Town, and
the rest of Tallinn. In the A dragonhead waterspout can be
Middle Ages, a number seen just below the Town Hall’s roof.
of coppersmiths This, and the other water spouts on the
and locksmiths had Town Hall’s façade, are fine examples of
their workshops on the mischie vous details that adorn
Lühike jalg. many of Tallinn’s medieval buildings.