Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala Towers (Town Wall), Tallinn (must see)

The Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala Towers form part of Tallinn’s extensive medieval fortifications, among the 26 towers that still survive from what was once one of Europe’s most formidable defensive systems. Construction of the city walls began in the late 14th century and continued into the 16th century, eventually enclosing the Old Town with walls reaching up to 16 meters in height and several meters in thickness. At their peak, these defenses stretched roughly four kilometers around the city.

As you approach from inside the Old Town near Suur-Kloostri Street, the three towers line up along the wall from south to north. Kuldjala Tower is the southernmost and closest to the inner streets, often serving as the main access point. Moving north along the wall, you reach Sauna Tower, positioned just a short distance further along the same defensive line. Continuing northwest, toward the open green space of Tornide Square, stands Nunna Tower, positioned closest to the former convent area, hence its name.

Today, this section of the wall is open to the public, allowing visitors to walk through the towers and along connecting passages. The Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers provide a practical way to engage with Tallinn’s defensive history. Rather than viewing the walls from below, you can explore them from within, gaining a clearer understanding of their scale and purpose. As part of the wider city wall system, they highlight how carefully planned and heavily fortified Tallinn once was, at a time when security was essential to protecting its trade and prosperity.