Lühike jalg gate tower, Medieval gate tower in Toompea, Estonia.
Lühike jalg gate tower stands between the upper and lower sections of Tallinn, connecting Toompea Hill with the merchant district below. Its thick stone walls and medieval defensive features reflect the fortification architecture of the 14th century.
The tower was built in the 14th century as part of Tallinn's fortification system, designed to protect the city from attack. Over the centuries, it remained a crucial control point between the two districts.
The name Lühike jalg means Short Leg, referring to the steep path that linked two separate districts of medieval Tallinn. The tower itself marked the boundary where two different social worlds met and interacted daily.
The tower is accessible via the cobblestone street that rises from Lower Town toward Toompea Hill, where it sits near other medieval structures. The steep climb is manageable on foot and offers views across both districts.
The tower contains two separate gates: one controlled access to the nobility quarters, while the other served merchants entering the lower town. This separation reflects the rigid class structure of medieval life.
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