The Guild Hall - Tallinn

The Guild Hall is probably the oldest medieval building in Tallinn, which reflects the commercial past of the city. Today the palace is home to the Museum of Estonian history, which plays host to a permanent exhibition of the Country's history, from the prehistoric age to the 18th century. The name refers to the guilds (or corporations), which were the medieval associations of rich merchants which spread all over Europe. These corporations aimed at protecting the common interests of the tradesmen.

The hall was built between 1407 and 1417 as a meeting place for the merchants reunions, during which the participants discussed problems, took decisions and studied the actions to undertake. The inside and outside of the hall has remained as it was in the 15th century, with the Coat of Arms of the Guild standing out from the façade and the golden knockers on the door.