Are you a fan of medieval architecture? Would you like to walk through one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe? If so, come and see Tallinn, the lively capital of Estonia. Walking through it, you will be able to reach its incredible Old Town, and it will be the Viru Gate that will welcome you.
Estonia is a country known for its Baltic coast, which has been one of its main sources of income throughout history, but it was also the cause of many of its problems. This is because Tallinn, the capital, saw numerous invasions over the centuries.
For this reason, the city had its own system of walls, designed to protect access to the metropolis. However, its most important role was to keep the people of Tallinn safe and ward off potential invaders.
Within this complex system of fortresses, was located what is now the Old Town, made up of the most historic areas of the city. Although the walls no longer exist, it is still possible to see the remarkable difference between the modern and the old areas.
In fact, there is a specific point where this separation is marked, and this is the Viru Gate. The gate, made up of two walled towers, is what remains of the old wall that surrounded Tallinn, and is currently one of its most important tourist attractions.
Despite being such an important part of the local history, the Viru Gate does not usually have a leading role in travel itineraries. Fortunately, this does not prevent the towers from being a must-see, as the vast majority of visitors pass by while touring Tallinn.
It is easy to identify the Viru Gate, its reddish towers are surrounded by creepers, and at the top you can see two spiers crowned with a Christian cross. The Viru Gate is the only thing that remains standing from the previous wall, which was demolished in 1880.
Similarly, it is important to mention that the Old Town area, where the towers are located, is one of the most vibrant in the city, and also one of the most frequented by locals. There you can find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, cafes and many other points of interest.
You don’t need a specific schedule or planning to get to know the most famous gate in Tallinn. Remember that this is a public monument, and it is available to anyone who wants to see it.
If you wonder how to get to these ancient towers, you will be delighted to know that there is a bus line and a tram line that will leave you very close to the Viru Gate. Keep in mind that public transport in Tallinn is safe and reliable, so you will have no problem getting to your destination.
Do not forget that the Viru Gate is a neighbor of other places of interest, such as the Town Hall Square and the St Katherine Passage, so from there you can start your walk through the Old Town.
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