Many towns during the turbulent Middle Ages were surrounded by defensive walls. Few have remained as intact as those in Tallinn.

Based on a 13th century plan, the Old Town in Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. Still largely intact, it maintains a number of Gothic spires, merchant houses, barns and warehouses, and winding cobblestone streets.

It was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997.