House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads, Tallinn, Estonia

The House of Black Heads (Estonian Mustpeade maja) is a Renaissance-style building in Tallinn old town. The building's name is derived from its developers, the Brotherhood of Black Heads which was the guild of foreign unmarried merchants. The Brotherhood was founded sometime around 1399 and was active in Estonia and Latvia.

A 14th-century residential building probably occupied this site when the Black Heads bought up the property in the early 1500s. They immediately installed a new hall with an archless ceiling, but the serious rebuilding got underway in 1597 when the Dutch Renaissance façade, with its profusion of ornaments and carved decorations, was added. The eye-catching front door dates to 1640.

Inside you can see a two-naved, vaulted hall, which bought from the neighbouring St. Olav's Guild and dates to the 15th century. The site is frequently used for concerts and other gala occasions, and naturally any event held here will take on a timeless quality.

User Reviews

Joao Belo (14 months ago)
Interesting building that had been rebuilt almost entirely from scratch (there are still remains of the original building in the basement) and worth a visit when visiting Riga Old Town as it sits in the original city square and is the former presidential palace.

Merli Lindberg (15 months ago)
Lovely place! It's absolutely gorgeous place for receptions, concerts, and other events alike. Includes museum of the Black Heads Guild as well as different halls full of renessance art and furniture. Assisting staff welcoming and friendly. NB Possibility to enjoy the place with a glass of sparkling ?

My desi words (2 years ago)
I am excited in future visit the place

Alexandra Nechita (4 years ago)
I thinks this is the most beautiful and iconic building in Riga. I tried to visit on the 30th of December but the place was closed without any notice on their website.

Helen Li (5 years ago)
I paid extra €15 for the private tour. I think the guy's name is Carols? He is very informative n knowable. The tour was supposed to be 1 hour, but it lasted for 1.5 hours because I had too many questions. Ha ha, highly recommend if u visit Riga.

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