Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda)

Tallinn Town Hall (Raekoda) stands on Raekoja plats 1 in the heart of the Old Town and is the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. The present building was constructed in 1402 to 1404 as the seat of the city council of Hanseatic Reval, replacing earlier council buildings on the same market square. The stone structure has an open arcade on the ground floor, once used for trade and public announcements, and a steep roof topped by a slender octagonal tower. The tower was rebuilt in the 1620s and is crowned by Old Thomas (Vana Toomas), a weathervane figure of a soldier installed in 1530 that has become a symbol of the city, with the original now kept in the City Museum. Inside, the main spaces show the character of medieval civic government. The Citizens' Hall (Burghers' Hall) has Gothic vaults and carved benches, and the Council Chamber contains carved wood panelling and a decorated bench dating from the 17th century. The walls hold tapestries and painted decoration, and the building also preserves the old council hall used by the city magistrates. The Town Hall served as the working seat of local government until the 19th century, when administrative functions moved elsewhere, and it later became a venue for exhibitions and ceremonies. Conservation work in the 20th century cleaned the limestone façade and restored interior decoration, while the square in front remains the focal point of events such as the Christmas market. The site is a compact introduction to the Hanseatic wealth that financed the Old Town, within walking distance of the Niguliste Church, the Dome Church and other medieval landmarks. Visiting access is seasonal, so schedules should be checked in advance. The tower climb is sold separately and involves a steep spiral staircase, offering one of the best viewpoints over the Old Town square and Lower Town roofs in the Harju region.