Viru Gate

The Viru Gate was one of the 8 gates in the Tallinn city wall. In mid-15th century a front gate was added. Between the main and front gates there was a fortified watermill that was in use well into the 19th century. After the gate had lost its military function, first the five-storey main tower and then the actual gate were demolished in the 19th century. The round side towers of the front gate have been preserved. A reconstruction of the gate can be seen on the board next to one of the towers. In front of the gates there was a moat with a purpose to increase the effective height of the walls and to prevent digging under the walls. The water of the local Härjapea river was used. The river is nowadays flowing in pipes underground.