Tallinna raekoda

About the museum

The site of the Raekoda (Town Hall) took shape in the mid-13th century, when a small single-storey building with a cellar stood there; it is first mentioned in 1322. In 1371–1374 the building was extended, and in 1402–1404 a second floor and an eastern tower were added, giving the building its present architectural form. As the oldest surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, it is part of the Old Town of Tallinn, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the 17th century the building received a late Renaissance-style tower helmet, and in 1650–1652 the main entrance was moved to the centre of the building in the Baroque style. The interior of the Council Hall was renovated in 1667, when Johann Aken was commissioned to paint biblical scenes on the walls, and carved wooden friezes were added. In the bombing raid of 1944 the tower helmet burned down; it was restored in 1952. A more thorough restoration took place in 1970–1975, and in 2005 the town hall received the Europa Nostra award.

Visitors can see, among other things, the medieval Citizens' Hall, the representative Council Hall with its Gothic benches, the vaulted hall, and the medieval well in the cellar, which was opened in 2008.

Highlights

• Oldest surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe (first mentioned in 1322)
• Council Hall with Johann Aken's biblical paintings
• Gothic benches decorated with the story of Tristan and Isolde and Samson's fight with the lion
• Medieval Citizens' Hall and cellar with a well
• Town hall tower (64 m) and 115 medieval steps up to the bell room (in summer)

Permanent exhibition

• Raekoja ajaloolised ruumid – Visitors see the medieval Citizens' Hall, the representative Council Hall with biblical paintings and carved friezes, and Gothic benches decorated with scenes of the story of Tristan and Isolde and of Samson's fight with a lion. The cellar contains a medieval well, opened in 2008; in summer the attic and the tower are also open.

Operated by

Tallinna Linnakantselei

Admission & discounts

Entry is free with the Tallinn Card. To get the reduced rate, the relevant proof must be presented. A ticket is valid for one visit at the time stated on the ticket, and the town hall ticket does not include a visit to the tower.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair users must notify the town hall in advance so that a lift and other necessary arrangements can be made. The lift serves only the main floor (Citizens' Hall and Council Hall). The town hall has no accessible toilet. The tower's 115 steep medieval steps are suitable only for visitors who are very mobile.

Kids & families

There are separate tours and a reduced rate for school groups. The family ticket costs €15 and is valid for up to two adults and children up to the age of 19.

Getting there & parking

The town hall is in the Old Town, on Raekoja plats.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit