Tallinn is under construction! The construction of a new tram line will bring changes to public transport and traffic! Read more
Favourites Map News
Visitor See & do Things to do Attractions & museums
Attractions & museums
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png
original:
loaded:/images/placeholder.png

    Viru Gate

    Towers & viewpointsHistory
    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.
    Share

    TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

    TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.5 of 5

    based on 863 reviews

    • Gothic entrance to a medieval town

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      September 2, 2023 By Coryy20

      The Viru gate is the first thing you will see before you enter into the streets of the Old town. What usually happens is most people take photographs of it because it is not only a piece of history... Read more comments

    • Welcoming Entrance

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      August 24, 2023 By chrissieb94

      The Viru Gate formed part of the defences of Old Tallinn and was built in the 14th century. The main tower was square and the barbicans had smaller round towers. Today it is a wide and welcoming... Read more comments

    • ‘They have an informative board, detailing the history behind the gate.’

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      August 4, 2023 By Ben927

      Nice area in central Tallinn which gives you a insight of what the old city walls would’ve looked like ‘back in the day.’ They have an informative board, detailing the history behind the gate. It’s... Read more comments