Description of the attraction
Tallinn City Hall, which has long been the center of the lower town's municipal government, has now become one of the main tourist attractions. This building was first mentioned in written sources in 1322. At that time, the town hall was a one-story building made of limestone. Towards the end of the 14th century, due to the increased importance of Tallinn in the Hanseatic League, the town hall was expanded. During the period of the greatest prosperity of Tallinn as a cultural and commercial city, the building of the Town Hall underwent significant changes. It was expanded, ceremonial halls were built on the second floor, and a representative tower was also built.
In 1530, a weather vane named Old Thomas was installed on the Tallinn Town Hall, which has guarded the city for almost 500 years. According to legend, in medieval times in Tallinn, on the square near the Great Sea Gate, archery competitions were held every spring. The goal of the competition was to hit the target, which is a wooden figurine in the shape of a parrot, mounted on top of a high pole. The most accurate shooter was in for a prize - a large silver goblet. And then one day, when the contestants just lined up in a row, the parrot, pierced by someone's arrow, fell. The unknown turned out to be an ordinary Tallinn poor man, Thomas, who was scolded and forced to put the target in place. This news instantly spread throughout the city, and the young man's mother no longer believed in the good outcome of the case. However, everything ended well. The young man was not punished, but, on the contrary, was offered to become a guard, which at that time was considered a great honor, especially for a poor person. During his life, Thomas has repeatedly shown heroism and managed to justify the trust placed in him. In old age, he grew a mustache and became like a guard standing at the top of a tower. Since then, the weather vane on the town hall tower has been called the old Toomas.
The basement of the town hall is the oldest part of this building. It used to be used as a wine cellar. The room located under the basement is called the trading floor, it is assumed that the most valuable goods were stored here.
The most luxurious rooms are located on the main floor of the town hall. This is the Burgers' Hall, or lobby, and the most important room is the Hall of the Magistrate. In the Middle Ages, the lobby was a place for celebrations and celebrations of the townspeople. It also hosted performances by itinerant actors and musicians. Nowadays, concerts and receptions are held here.
In 1547 tapestries were ordered and made to decorate the town hall in the Netherlands. Now the originals of the tapestries are kept in the Tallinn City Museum, and are the most beautiful examples of textile art in the Renaissance Estonia. And the walls of the Burger Hall today are decorated with copies of tapestries, which depict scenes from the life of King Solomon. The city emblems located in the lobby, which are located above the door leading to the magistrate's hall, also attract attention.
The magistrate's hall is the most important building of the Tallinn Town Hall. The city council gathered here, decisions and laws concerning the city were made. Also, until the end of the 19th century, the magistrate held the highest judicial power. Therefore, the room was also used as a courtroom; this purpose emphasizes the red color of the walls and the painting with a judicial theme. There is a wide variety of symbols in the courtroom. The most important works of art in the Tallinn City Hall tell about morality, honesty and fairness.6 paintings on biblical themes created in the 17th century by the Lübeck artist Johann Aken are directly related to justice. Scenes and ornaments made in the technique of wood carving are beautiful and interesting for acquaintance.
In the kitchen area, meals were prepared for the big holidays. In the corner of the kitchen there was a chimney, which was a stone pillar that was demolished in the 19th century and reconstructed in 2004. The town hall received water from a well, and rainwater was also used, collected in large barrels.
The ongoing restoration work of the Tallinn Town Hall is subordinated to the goal of restoring the structure in the form in which it was in the 15th century. Now the height of the town hall is 64 meters. The balcony, located at a height of 34 meters, offers a wonderful view of the Town Hall Square.
