Kiek in de Kök, Artillery tower in Vanalinn, Estonia
Kiek in de Kök is a defensive tower about 38 meters tall with 4-meter-thick walls built in 1475 in Tallinn's Old Town. The structure displays cannonballs embedded in its exterior from 16th-century battles and connects several medieval fortifications through underground passages.
Built in 1475 as part of Tallinn's defense system, the tower takes its Low German name meaning 'peek into the kitchen' from the guards' ability to see into nearby houses. During the 16th century, it endured repeated cannon fire, with damage marks still visible on its walls today.
The tower functions as a museum that connects four medieval fortifications through underground passages, telling stories of how people lived and worked during that era. The exhibitions show the role this place played in the city's daily life.
Access is typically available Tuesday through Sunday, with hours varying by season and extending longer in summer. Expect stairs and tight passages as you move through multiple exhibition floors, since the tower is a medieval structure with narrow, winding routes.
Multiple floors inside contain exhibitions, including preserved living quarters from around 1760 when the tower served as residential apartments. These rooms offer a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who once occupied the space.
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