Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)
On Gingerguide's self-guided Tallinn audio tour, Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda) is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Tallinn Tallinn guide
About Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)
Tallinn's Gothic Town Hall has fronted the square since the early 1400s, its 64-metre tower crowned by Old Thomas, the copper guard who has watched the market since 1530.
Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda) is a Gothic stone building on the south side of Raekoja plats and the historic seat of the city's government. First mentioned in 1322 and rebuilt into its present form between 1402 and 1404, it is frequently described as the oldest surviving town hall in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, though the exact wording varies by source. It stands within the Historic Centre of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
The tower rises about 64 metres from the base of the arcade, with 115 steps leading to a clock balcony at 34 metres, open to visitors in summer. Atop the Renaissance spire turns the Vana Toomas (Old Thomas) weathervane, a figure of a city guard first placed in 1530; the original is preserved indoors and the figure now on the tower is a 1996 copy. Today the building is used for city ceremonies, concerts and as a museum.
Did you know? By legend, Old Thomas was a poor youth who kept winning the town's marksmen's contest by shooting down a wooden parrot, and was rewarded with the post of city guard.
How much time do you need at Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)?
Around ~60 min works well for Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda) — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)?
Yes — Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda) made the cut as one of 21 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Tallinn. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Tallinn
Day 2 of the Tallinn in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)
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