Attractions & museums
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    Viru Gate

    The barbican of Viru Gate was part of the defence system of the Tallinn city wall built in the 14th century.

    A couple of centuries later, it already had 8 gates that consisted of several towers and curtain walls connecting them. The main tower of a gate was always square and the barbicans were equipped with one or two small round towers.

    As the entrances to the Old Town were widened, several gates were demolished. The Viru Gate had to pay its dues to a horse-drawn tram route that connected the Old Market with Kadriorg.

    However, the corner towers were preserved. Also, you can still see a part of the bastion that is called Musumägi. Viru Street with its many shops and restaurants has become one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the Old Town.

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    TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

    TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.5 of 5

    based on 881 reviews

    • A Wonderful Medieval Gate! Gets quite busy!

      tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
      November 17, 2024 By tomj932

      We visited the Viru gates a couple of times whilst on our 48hr trip to Tallinn as it is a pretty crazy tram spot for walking around. The gates are very well preserved and give an interesting thought... Read more comments

    • Gate way into the old town from the new town

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      October 27, 2024 By martin L

      This is the main gateway into the old town from the new town. The street is lined with flower stalls frequent by locals. One of the best spots to take in the sunset view.

    • The old town guards

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      September 21, 2024 By danielgV5170QT

      During our Baltic trip we spent a week in Tallinn in hotel closed to old town and everyday our visit of this beautiful place was started by moving between these two beautiful old towers, which... Read more comments