| Project Id |
3361 |
| Project Name |
Tallinn Town Hall, Estonia |
| Description |
Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest city hall in North-Europe and the only preserved one in Gothic style. The story of the building dates back to the 13th century and it was completed, in its current form, in 1404. The town was ruled from the Town Hall for nearly 700 years. The fifty year restoration came to its final stage in 1999-2004, when the aim was to improve the conditions for preservation. The Town Hall still has its historical role of being the town's representational building and it is used for carrying out receptions and concerts. In July and August, the Town Hall is open to visitors, who can visit anything from the basement to the attic. The fancy Gothic arches and precious works of art reflect the wealth and ideals of the former Hanseatic town. The rarest items are the benches of aldermen from the 14th and 15th century. |
| Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project |
The project was awarded an EU Medal for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award 2005 in the conservation category. It’s the only surviving Gothic town-hall in Northern Europe. The protective conservation of the limestone constituted the main part of the works. Synthetic finishing materials were replaced with authentic natural ones in the interior rooms; unique 16th c. paintings were conserved; the attic was cleared of rubble. The building was opened to the public as a museum and for concerts and receptions. An observation platform was created in the tower which was also opened to the public. The jury noted: “For the revival of the last surviving Gothic Town Hall in Northern Europe and the exemplary revealing of all the historical layers of this icon of the great European tradition of municipal power.” |
| Web links |
https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-town-hall |
| Country |
Estonia |
| City size |
Intermediate cities (between 50.000-1 million people) |
