Kiek in de Kök (Tallinn)

Kiek in de Kök (low German "Peep into the Kitchen") is an old German language nickname for towers, mainly those which were parts of town fortifications. They gained the name from the ability of the tower occupants to literally see "what's cooking" in the kitchens of nearby houses.

Due to the history of the Hanseatic League and the Teutonic Order, also towers far outside modern Germany bear this name, like in Danzig/Gdansk and Tallinn.

The tower located in Tallinn is an artillery tower built in 1475. It is 38 m high and has walls 4 m thick. Cannon balls dating back to 1577 are still imbedded in its outer walls.

History

Working life

Through out its working life, the tower was extensively remodelled. Work in the 16th and 17th centuries saw the two lowest floors become hidden by earth works and the upper floors receive new gun openings and the uppermost floor a new outer wall and ceiling. By 1760, the tower had become obsolete. At this time it became a repository for archives and some floors were converted to apartments.

Historic site

20th century restoration work saw the tower and surrounding area returned to a more historical look. The tower now serves as a museum and photographic gallery.

External links

* [http://www.linnamuuseum.ee/kok/index.php?lang=2&id=170 Kiek in de Kök's official homepage]