ENG
Guarding the north end of Pikk street, these two defensive structures provide an eye-opening glimpse into Tallinn's maritime past.
The medieval-era Great Coastal Gate (Suur Rannavärav) and Fat Margaret tower (Paks Margareeta) were built not only to defend the city from the seaward side of town, but also to impress any visitors arriving via the harbour.
These days Fat Margaret’s cannon tower is home to the Estonian Maritime Museum, which provides a detailed look at the all-important sea-faring aspect of Estonia’s history, displaying such things as Neolithic fishing gear, antique diving equipment, and even the entire wheelhouse from a 1950s-era trawler. The extensive museum covers four floors of the historic tower.
The Great Coastal Gate, along with the Viru Gates, are the last of six gates that controlled access to the town in medieval times. The gate system here on Pikk street originated in the 1300s, but it was during reconstruction in the early 16th century that the Fat Margaret cannon tower was added. Built from 1511 to 1530, this hefty, round tower has a diameter of 25 metres, a height of about 20 metres, and walls up to 5 metres thick.
The origins of Fat Margaret's name are a mystery. Some theories insist it was named for one of its larger cannons, while others hint at a cook called Margaret who once worked here.
In any case, the tower has served a number of different functions throughout its history. It has been used a storehouse for gunpowder and weapons, and as a prison.
To find the cache you must go to the roof, enjoy the views from there and sign the log. Turing summer it's (usualy) free to visit the roof cafe. But I highly reccomend to take time and visit the museum.
EST
Suur Rannavärav on ehitatud Tallinna linnamüüriga samal ajal, 14.sajandil. Paarsada aastat hiljem, 1529. aastal, püstitati värava kõrvale suurtükitorn Paks Margareeta, üks varasemaid rannakaitse ehitisi Eestis. Selle omapärase ümara ehitise seintes on 155 laskeava ning läbimõõt on linnamüüri torni kohta suur, nimelt 25 meetrit. Oma nime on Paks Margareeta saanud tõenäoliselt oma kuju järgi - on ta ju kõige tüsedam torn linnamüüris. Torn on olnud kasutusel laskemoona- ja relvalaona ning vanglana.
Tallinna sümbolina tuntud väravatornis asub praegu Eesti Meremuuseum, kus saab tutvuda Eesti laevandust, merendust ja kalandust tutvustava väljapanekuga. Muuseum tutvustab Eestit kui ajaloolist mereriiki. Neljale korrusele on välja pandud kõikvõimalikke teemakohaseid esemeid: vanaaegne sukeldumis- ja kalapüügivarustus, erinevaid merepõhjast leitud esemeid, merekaarte jmt.
Aarde leidmiseks tuleb sammud seada selle hoone katusele.