Kiek in de Kok and Bastion Passages Museum, Tallinn
Kiek in de Kök is an artillery tower that was built in 1475 as part of the medieval fortifications.
Kiek in de Kök is an artillery tower that was built in 1475 as part of the medieval fortifications. Its name literally translates to 'Peep into the Kitchen', as the top of the 38 metre tall tower offered glimpses into the kitchens of nearby houses through the chimneys. With a diameter of 17 metres and 4 metre thick walls, the imposing tower was one of the sturdiest medieval strongholds of the city. It has been extensively renovated over the centuries, and has cannon balls dating from 1577 embedded in its outer walls, as reminders of the damage caused by Ivan the Terrible's forces in the Livonian War. In the 18th century, the tower was used as a repository for archives and some floors were converted to apartments.
Today, the tower houses a section of the Tallinn Municipal Museum that traces the origins and development of the city, its fortifications, and important war events from the 13th to 18th century. The basement is used as a photography gallery showcasing temporary exhibitions. The café on the 6th floor offers panoramic views of the city.
Kiek in de Kok is the starting point for guided tours of the Bastion Passages, a network of underground tunnels built in the 1670s, but hardly used until the 20th century when they were renovated into bomb shelters for World War II. Hop aboard a train to see the medieval passages and their development over time.
Hours
Sun
10:00
17:30
Mon
NA
Tue
10:00
17:30
Wed
10:00
17:30
Thu
10:00
17:30
Fri
10:00
17:30
Sat
10:00
17:30
About Kiek in de Kok and Bastion Passages Museum
Komandandi tee 2, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
+372 644 6686
Kiek in de Kok and Bastion Passages Museum and Nearby Sights on Map
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Dome Church / St. Mary's Church
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