Gates, walls and towers
· Vanalinn
Harju Outer Gate
Harju outer gate turned the approach into a narrow defensive corridor where every arrival could be watched.
The outer gate stood beyond the main entrance and forced arrivals along a route controlled by defenders. Turns, walls and successive gates slowed attackers and made their movement predictable. The openness of modern Freedom Square gives the opposite impression. This entrance was designed not for easy circulation but to keep every person visible and, when necessary, stop them.
Practical information
Address: Vabaduse väljak
Stand on the Old Town side of Freedom Square and replace the open pedestrian space in your imagination with a road confined between walls.