THE CENTRE OF POWER

  • 1. Tall Hermann

    14th–16th century, Livonian Order

    The tallest stone tower in the Baltic Sea region during the Middle Ages – 83 metres above sea level. Because of the national flag flying at the top of the tower, the Tall Hermann is one of the most important symbols of the independence of Estonia.
  • 2. Landskrone

    14th–15th century, Livonian Order

    The tower was built in the 14th or 15th century in the North East corner of Toompea Castle. Landskrone means “land’s crown” in German.
  • 3. Pilsticker

    14th–15th century, Livonian Order

    Built in the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century as a console tower. Pilsticker means 'arrow sharpener' in Low German.
  • 4. State Hall

    1589, Hans von Aachen

    Used to be one of the most outstanding Renaissance buildings in Estonia. It was built for Swedish governors, and has been reconstructed several times in the course of centuries.
  • 5. Province government building

    1773, Johann Schultz

    The building was meant to be the residence of the Russian governors and resembled a nobleman’s palace, which is why it came to be known as TP. This name has later been used also to denote the whole complex of buildings at Toompea.
  • 6. Riigikogu building

    1922, Eugen Habermann ja Herbert Johanson

    The only Expressionist parliament building in the world. The seat of the Riigikogu was erected on the exact site of the Convent building of the Order of the Brethren of the Sword that was completed in the 13th century. The Convent building was looted and burnt during the February Revolution of 1917, and the ruins were demolished in 1919.
  • 7. Northern wing

    1930s

    Officials used to be housed in this building adjoining the Riigikogu building, but today it is used as offices by the staff of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu.
  • 8. Southern wing

    1937, Alar Kotli

    The wing was originally built for the Ministry of the Internal Affairs following the style of the 18th century Province Government building.
  • 9. Governor's Garden

    1936, Alar Kotli

    One of the first public parks in Tallinn. Alar Kotli redesigned the Governor's Garden in the 1930 so that it matched the southern wing.