Gates, walls and towers
· Toompea
Long Leg Gate Tower
The Pikk jalg gate guarded the main route between the seat of power on Toompea and the merchants’ Lower Town.
Pikk jalg was better suited to horses and carts than the steep neighbouring Lühike jalg. Its gate tower controlled traffic between two historically separate jurisdictions. Nobles, envoys, servants and goods passed this way. The gate did more than defend against an outside enemy: it allowed movement between different parts of the same city to be watched and, when necessary, stopped.
Practical information
Address: Pikk jalg 3
Walk slowly uphill towards Toompea and view the gate tower from both sides. The cobbles can be slippery when wet.