Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 30

Estonian History Museum - Great Guild Hall

Films and hands-on displays at this extensive museum show how Estonian-dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11, 000 years. The museum covers Estonia' s history from prehistoric times’ right up to the end of the 20th century.

It makes its home in the 15th century Great Guild Hall, itself a spectacular relic of Tallinn' s past. It is no surprise that this hulking, gabled hall with its gigantic porch and lion’s head door knockers belonged to the Great Guild. Members of the guild, who had to be married German merchants, controlled the Town Council. In the cellar rooms, an exhibit called ' Power of the Elite' showcases the history of the building.

Among the other displays are ' Making a Fast Buck' in the coin chamber, which focuses on the many ways of payment seen in Estonia throughout history.

The weapons chamber presents wars and arms through the ages, with a simulator mimicking the sounds of each weapon displayed. The museum co-operates with a tactical shooting centre which offers an actual shooting experience with historical guns. With a museum ticket, visitors can ask for 5% discount on the range' s ' History' package.

In Börsi käik, the narrow passageway that runs alongside the building, a ' Road of History' exhibit highlights the most important events of Estonia' s past.

Children can look for the museum’s very own dragon, displayed for centuries on the building’s pillar. The museum’s courtyard presents several things that are ideal for little visitors. Museum entrance is free with the Tallinn Card.

Piiskopi viewing platform

A little, garden-like viewing platform on the west side of Toompea hill overlooks the Pelgulinn and Kalamaja areas. This hidden square is also known as Piiskopi aed or Bishop' s Garden. In 18th and 19th centuries, the gardens of the adjacent Dome Church were located here, as you can see from the area' s rectangular shapes and many trees. This platform is often a quiet heaven on a summer' s day.

KGB Museum

Those intrigued by the city's secret history can take the guided tour of the KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of Sokos Hotel Viru.

In Soviet times it was rumoured that the KGB had files on everyone and that they operated in the Viru Hotel. The latter rumour turned out to be true, as you will see on this fascinating tour. Not only will you get an inkling for what the operatives were up to, you' ll also get some great insights into the history of the hotel, which was designated exclusively for foreign guests visiting the USSR.

Continued in part 31