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Photo: House of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads
Photo: Merlen Aringo

    House of the Blackheads

    SightsArchitecture
    This beautiful, Renaissance-style guild hall is truly a star among Old Town's architectural treasures.

    Just one look at the hall from the outside, especially its intricately-decorated, red, green and gold door, is enough to explain why it's a regular feature on every Tallinn postcard stand. The interior is also a must-see.

    This was the historic home of the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a medieval guild made up of young, single merchants and foreigners. The guild's patron saint was the Moorish St. Mauritius - a profile of his head is pictured on the Brotherhood's coat of arms. The Brotherhood itself, which arose sometime around 1399, was active only in Estonia and Latvia, and never took hold in the rest of Europe. It is interesting to note that among the brotherhood's duties in medieval times was putting Tallinn's Christmas tree on Town Hall Square each year. Records show that the activity started at least as far back as 1441, making Tallinn the first city in Europe to have the tradition of a public Christmas tree.

    A 14th-century residential building probably occupied this site when the Black Heads bought up the property in the early 1500s. They immediately installed a new hall with an archless ceiling, but the serious rebuilding got underway in 1597 when the Dutch Renaissance façade, with its profusion of ornaments and carved decorations, was added. The eye-catching front door dates to 1640. Inside you can see a two-naved, vaulted hall, which bought from the neighbouring St. Olav's Guild and dates to the 15th century. 
    The building is frequently used for concerts and other gala occasions, and naturally any event held here will take on a timeless quality.

    Entrance only with Tallinn Card (free of charge).
    Closed during concerts and other events.
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    TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

    TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.0 of 5

    based on 100 reviews

    • Amazing Frontage

      tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
      June 26, 2022 By richardmP1661JV

      The front of the building is incredible and historic. The painted carvings are amazing and well worth a stop. The interiors are pretty plain to be honest and the philharmonic orchestra give concerts... Read more comments

    • A must see in Riga

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      May 9, 2022 By Roger G

      Having been to Riga a few times I don't know how we missed this attraction. The best part is you can sit on the chairs and really look at the paintings and architecture. Spread over 3 floors it gives... Read more comments

    • Another Architectual gem, stop and really look at the front of the building!!!

      tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
      August 21, 2020 By PBTravelstheWorld

      Another architectural gem that you need to stop outside and really study the front. There is a short write up about the building that is posted outside the door that gives all the history and a bit... Read more comments