Old walls

Fat Margaret on the left

One of the most appealing features of Tallinn is that about two thirds of the old city walls and towers still remain. Most old European cities have either torn down the walls to save maintenance or provide roads (In Palma the ring road around the old city follows precisely the zigzag line of the city walls) and parks (the Planty in Krakow), or had them torn down by various invading forces.

The oldest remaining tower dating back to the 15th century is aptly named Fat Margaret and is hugely outsized compared to her tiny companion on the other side of the gate. However, this the main gate to the city from the port so a bit of weight was probably necessary. Most of Tallinn's remaining towers are more pleasantly proportioned.