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.
TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews
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14th-century city gate
tripadvisor rating 5 of 5This impressive 14th-centruy city gate marks the entrance to the lower part of the Old Town. It is the only extant part of that area of city walls.
Flowery lower town marketplace
tripadvisor rating 5 of 5The towers of the Viru Gate marked the entrance to the lower town of Tallinn but I was more interested in the flower market on the approach into the old town, truly a pretty sight with all the... Read more comments
Built in the 14th Century
tripadvisor rating 5 of 5The Viru Gate was part of the defence system of the Tallinn city wall built in the 14th century. It creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere and adds to the medieval ambiance of the Old Town. It's such... Read more comments
