Tallinn Town Hall, long the centre of municipal power in the lower city, has now become a major tourist attraction. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1322. At that time, the town hall was a one-storey structure made of limestone. By the end of the 14th century, the town hall was enlarged due to Tallinn's growing importance in the Hanseatic League. During the period of Tallinn's greatest prosperity as a cultural and commercial city, the Town Hall underwent significant changes. It was enlarged, ceremonial halls were built on the first floor and a representative tower was built. In 1530, a weather vane was installed on the Tallinn Town Hall, which was named Old Thomas and has been guarding the city for almost 500 years. According to legend, in medieval times in Tallinn, an archery competition was held every spring on the square near the Great Sea Gate. The aim of the competition was to hit the target, which was a wooden parrot-shaped figure mounted on top of a tall pole. The most accurate archer was awarded a prize - a large silver cup. One day, when the contestants had just lined up in a row, the parrot, pierced by someone's arrow, fell down. The unknown person was an ordinary poor man from Tallinn, Tomas, who was scolded and made to put the target back. The news instantly spread throughout the city, and the young man's mother did not believe in the good outcome of the case. However, everything ended happily. The young man was not punished, but, on the contrary, was offered to become a guard, which in those days was considered a great honour, especially for a poor man. During his life, Thomas repeatedly showed heroism and managed to justify the trust placed in him. In his old age, he grew a moustache and looked like a guard at the top of the tower. Since then, the weather vane on the tower of the town hall has been called Old Toomas.
The basement of the town hall is the oldest room of this building. It used to be used as a wine cellar. The room below the basement is called the trading hall, it is assumed that the most valuable goods were stored here.
The most luxurious rooms are located on the main floor of the town hall. These are the Bürger Hall, or vestibule, and the most important room, the magistrate's hall. In the Middle Ages, the vestibule was the place of festive events and celebrations of the townspeople. It was also the place where travelling actors and musicians performed. Nowadays, concerts and receptions are organised here.
In 1547, tapestries were commissioned and made in the Netherlands to decorate the town hall. The original tapestries are now kept in the Tallinn City Museum, and are the most beautiful examples of textile art in Renaissance Estonia. The walls of the Bürger Hall are now decorated with copies of tapestries depicting scenes from the life of King Solomon. The city coats of arms in the lobby, which are located above the door leading to the magistrate's hall, also attract attention.
The Magistrate's Hall is the most important room of the Tallinn Town Hall. Here the city council met, and decisions and laws concerning the city were made. Also, until the end of the 19th century, the magistrate had the highest judicial power. Therefore, the room was also used as a courtroom, which is emphasised by the red colour of the walls and paintings with judicial themes. There is a great variety of symbols in the courtroom. The most important works of art in Tallinn Town Hall speak of morality, honesty and justice. Six paintings on biblical themes, created in the 17th century by the Lübeck artist Johann Aken, are directly related to justice. Beautiful and interesting to look at are the scenes and ornaments made in the technique of wood carving.
The kitchen area was used to prepare food for large feasts. In the corner of the kitchen there was a chimney, which was a stone pillar that was demolished in the 19th century and reconstructed in 2004. The town hall got its water from a well and also used rainwater collected in large barrels.
The restoration of the Tallinn Town Hall is aimed at restoring the building to its 15th century appearance. The Town Hall is now 64 metres high. The balcony, which is 34 metres high, offers a wonderful view of the Town Hall Square.
