The Town Hall & Square

One of Tallinn’s most famous buildings is the Town Hall (Raekoja), the only surviving Gothic town hall in the Baltic States, built between 1371 and 1404. Of particular interest are its waterspouts, just below the roof, in the shape of dragons and the steeple's 16th century weathervane, Old Toomas, in the shape of a sentry-man. Its tower also affords wonderful views of the city.

The Town Hall Square (Raekoda Plats) has been at the centre of Tallinn's community life ever since markets were first held on the flagstones, over 1,000 years ago. The main roads of the old town meet here, leading people to the cafés, restaurants and various shops that face the cobble-stoned square. In summer it's often used for concerts and in winter it’s home to a Christmas market.

On one side of the square is the Town Hall Apothecary (Raeapteek), one of the world's oldest functioning pharmacies. Medicine has been dispensed here since 1422, and in the intervening years the pharmacy has passed through ten generations of the same family. The current facade dates from the 17th century.

Katariina Kaïk (St Catherine’s Passageway)

One of Tallinn’s prettiest alleyways with its overhead vaulting, wrought iron lamps and workshops where you can see the craftsmen at work making pottery, jewellery and stained glass. Several gravestones are lined against the walls including an unusual one, dated 1381, which belongs to a woman – unusual because at that time women were not considered important enough to have individual tombs.