Eesti Meremuuseum (Estonian Maritime Museum), Tallinn

The Estonian Maritime Museum is a very popular tourist attraction in Tallinn. It has been built inside a very historic tower that is called the Fat Margaret by the locals. The institution puts on display the history of the ships of Estonia, as well as related information on what sea life was like on the Baltic. The location extended down to Seaplane Harbour where there are nine old ships on display.

The Fat Margaret tower itself was built from 1511 to 1530, during the reconstruction of the medieval city gate system. The name of the structure derives from the fact that it was built to show off how impressively the fortifications and walls of the city were constructed. The structure is very thick here. It was also a defensive location for the city. If you add in the Great Coastal Gates towers, you have the three tiered defense structure for the coastal defense of the town. During its history, though, it also served as a place to store gun powder, as well as also being used as a prison for a bit. It was taken out of commission in 1917, during the Communist Revolution.

On the inside, there are old tools on display here, as well as other Maritime objects. Some of the old objects here were original bone tools made before the time of Christ. So, you will not want to miss them.