House of the Blackheads
House of the Blackheads
4
About
The House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads is the only surviving Renaissance building in Tallinn. A residence probably existed at this location already in the 14th century. The Brotherhood of Black Heads bought the property in the first half of the 16th century, when then also built a new vault-less hall. A major reconstruction took place in 1597, when the façade was redesigned in the spirit of the Renaissance architecture from the Low Countries, with its rich ornamentation and carved decorations. One of Tallinn’s most eye-catching painted doors dates from the 1640s. The Two-nave, arched guildhall bought from the Olav Guild dates from the 15th century.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
106 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
48
Average
27
Poor
2
Terrible
0
chrissieb94
Dorset, UK2,098 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This building is the former headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. Back in history they were ship owners and merchants during the Middle Ages. They were also in Latvia. They fled to Germany when the Soviets occupied the Baltic states in 1940. Today the house comprises of halls and other rooms used for events like concerts, conferences and receptions. There are some amazing stone crests around the door. The door itself has beautiful carving.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostInTime
Pittsburgh, PA11,753 contributions
Jun 2023 • Business
This building looks real real old. I love old places. The door is pretty amazing. I wouldn’t have know about this except for TripAdvisor and it’s a short walk from the main square. Real nice.
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,452 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Having just arrived here from Helsinki, I entered this museum located at main Town Square. The friendly Receptionist told us that the entrance fee was FREE for the day, May 18, 2023.
The exhibits are limited: Various types of coins used at certain time frames, household items, paintings etc.
The exhibits are limited: Various types of coins used at certain time frames, household items, paintings etc.
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markus H
Khao Lak, Thailand2 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Pretty facade. Shame it seems closed to go inside. A lot of tourists outside looking to get in. Information plaque outside.
Written May 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krista M
Tallinn, Estonia5 contributions
Dec 2022
Behind the famous door, there are several good-looking concert halls like 'Valge saal / White Hall ' (built in 1531–1532), one of the oldest halls for public use in Tallinn built expressly for entertainment. And the 'Olavi saal / St Olaf's Guild Hall' (built in 1419–1422), with two naves and a rare ceiling with High Gothic stellar vaults the hall is considered to be one of the most brilliant architectural masterpieces in Tallinn. Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and other classical music collectives give public concerts in these halls, which give great options to step in. A poster about the coming concert is hanging on the wall, left from the House of the Blackheads' door.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Hampstead Norreys, UK871 contributions
Jun 2022
The front of the building is incredible and historic. The painted carvings are amazing and well worth a stop. The interiors are pretty plain to be honest and the philharmonic orchestra give concerts there.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands345 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Having been to Riga a few times I don't know how we missed this attraction. The best part is you can sit on the chairs and really look at the paintings and architecture. Spread over 3 floors it gives the history of Latvia and how over the centuries this nation has been invaded and recovered each time. You can easily imagine dining in one of the many halls and enjoy the pomp and ceremony it has offered to the local dignitaries over the years.
Incredible it has been restored from a devastating fire last century.
Incredible it has been restored from a devastating fire last century.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PBTravelstheWorld
Lynden, WA399 contributions
Sep 2019
Another architectural gem that you need to stop outside and really study the front. There is a short write up about the building that is posted outside the door that gives all the history and a bit about the Brotherhood.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
axola2009
Bilbao, Spain154 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
One of the most icónics buildings in Riga, it’s worth a visit. Although it is usually crowded, it’s worth a visit.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendyanddavid536
Solihull, UK2,214 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
A lovely building in the centre of the Old Town, the House of the Blackheads was closed when we were there, but there is a board outside explaing its history and that of the Tallinn Brotherhood of Blackheads, established in 1399.
Fabulous red, green and gold door.
Fabulous red, green and gold door.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm confused about this specific Brotherhood. I know they were ethnically a diverse group that held Russian citizenship. My question is whether they were originally formed by tri-racial Black Sea Germans? Can someone help answer this question please?
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Claim your listingHOUSE OF THE BLACKHEADS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about House of the Blackheads
- Hotels near House of the Blackheads:
- (0.04 km) Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
- (0.05 km) EELK Usuteaduse Instituut's Guest Rooms
- (0.06 km) Town Hall Square Apartments
- (0.06 km) Ites Pikk Old Town Apartments
- (0.06 km) Hotel Schlossle
- Restaurants near House of the Blackheads:
- (0.03 km) Pecorino
- (0.03 km) Trofé Restaurant-Bar
- (0.03 km) Café Pikk 29
- (0.03 km) Golden Dragon
- (0.04 km) Intermezzo