A Fascinating Tour of Patarei Sea Fortress (in Estonian)

The Estonian Centre of Architecture’s tour programme gives you the chance to visit an architectural gem with a fascinating history for a little while longer, before it closes for extensive renovation. On this exclusive tour, we will open the heavy doors and winding corridors of Kalaranna Fort. The tour takes visitors to places that have never before been accessible to the public.

Kalaranna Fort has been known by various names and served different purposes throughout its history. Under a defence plan approved by Emperor Alexander I in 1820, construction of a ring of fortifications around Tallinn began under his successor, Emperor Nicholas I, and work on Kalaranna Fort began in 1830. The completed fort was impressive: its seaward walls are about 2 metres thick, and its three seaward floors contained a total of 72 large and 18 small fighting casemates. The main part of the fortress consists of a two-winged, acute-angled building on the land side and an arched building on the seaward side, intended as an inner redoubt.

By the mid-19th century, Kalaranna Fort had lost its military importance. The complex was converted into barracks, which at various times housed more than several thousand soldiers. After the Estonian War of Independence, Tallinn faced a severe shortage of prison cells. The Ministry of Justice at the time considered the complex underused by the military, so a prison was established in the former fort and barracks. The institution, known as the Central Prison, soon acquired the popular nickname Patarei Prison. The prison years are also associated with the building’s most colourful and recent history, as well as the most curious stories, which the tour guides share with participants.

The Estonian Centre of Architecture’s tour programme offers a glimpse inside the Sea Fortress at this fascinating moment of transformation, and a last chance to experience much of what will soon no longer be possible to see in this form. Today, US Real Estate OÜ is developing the complex and surrounding area under the name Patarei Sea Fortress. Its vision is for the complex to become Tallinn’s new seaside heart, a landmark and a focal point, with commercial premises, apartments, shops, a food street and entertainment venues.

A tour of Patarei Sea Fortress lasts 90 minutes. Tours are held in Estonian and Russian. The tours organised by the Estonian Centre of Architecture are led by some of Estonia’s finest professional guides, united by their interest in architecture and its history. The Centre of Architecture arranges private tours for interested groups in different locations across Estonia in six languages. To enquire, please email info@archtours.ee.

Find the schedules for tours in Estonian here, in Russian here, and in English here. Explore other tours and opportunities offered by the Estonian Centre of Architecture. Get updates and follow our activities on Facebook.