The Great Guild (Estonian: Suurgild, German: Große Gilde) was a guild for merchants and artisans, operating in Tallinn from at least the 14th century[1] until 1920.[2] It was based in the Great Guild hall, a Gothic building in the historical centre of Tallinn, today housing the Estonian History Museum. In 2013, the Great Guild hall was named a European Heritage site.[3]
The building was erected in 1407-1410, with the interiors finished in 1417. The façade is decorated with blind arches, and has a typical, prominent portal. Inside, the main hall especially retains the medieval atmosphere. It is a large (365 square metres (3,930 sq ft)) room, supported by a range of pillars with decoratively carved capitals.[2]
The Great Guildhall is considered a typical example of medieval Tallinn architecture.[2]
- ^ Kala, Tiina. "Development of towns in the 14th–15th centuries. Church life in towns". Estonica - Encyclopedia about Estonia. Estonian Institute. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ^ a b c Viirand, Tiiu (2004). Estonia. Cultural Tourism. Kunst Publishers. p. 30. ISBN 9949407184.
- ^ "Story of the Great Guild hall". Estonian History Museum. Retrieved 2022-02-13.