For more than 800 years Toompea Castle has been at the center of power in Estonia. In previous centuries, foreign rulers governed Estonian territories from here. Today, it is the home of the Riigikogu, the country's parliament.
View the castle on the spot where an ancient fortress once stood. It has been reconstructed and renovated several times over the years. The parliament building dates back to the early 20th century and is located on the site of a medieval convent that was burned down in 1917.
Toompea Castle and the Riigikogu can only be visited on a guided tour, which lasts for about 45 minutes. It covers the history of the castle and the workings of parliament. English language tours are held on Friday.
Stand inside the magnificent 18th-century White Hall, where important decisions about the running of the country have been made. Admire the Renaissance-style stucco ceiling and the paintings in the half-moon-shaped spaces above the doors. Go to the Session Hall of the Parliament of Estonia. Since 1922, laws and resolutions have been passed here.
Watch a parliamentary session. To book a place in the public gallery, visit the foyer on your left as you enter the castle.
As you stroll through the castle and its grounds, note the different architectural styles from the renovation works of previous centuries. These include the 18th-century Baroque façade of the Province Government Building and examples of early 20th-century expressionism in the parliamentary building.
The castle is located on Toompea Hill in Tallinn’s Old Town, which is mostly car free. Use public transportation links to the historical center or metered car parking available nearby.
Guided tours of Toompea Castle are free and must be booked online at the castle’s official website. To enter the castle, present valid photo identification, such as a passport or a driver’s license.
