Fat Margaret

Paks Margareeta (Fat Margaret's Tower) is a defensive structure at the end of Pikk Tanav (Pikk Street). It provides an impressive view to the entrance to the Old Town. Together with the Suur Rannavärav (Great Coastal Gate), it served to defend the city of Tallinn from the seaward side of town.

Fat Margaret (as the canon tower is popularly known) was built in the early 16th century (from 1511 to 1530) during reconstruction of the medieval city gate system. It has a diameter of 25 metres, a height of 20 metres, and walls up to 5 metres thick.

No one knows for sure how the name 'Fat Margaret' came about. A common theory is that it was named after one of its larger cannons, although some insist it referred to a generously-proportioned cook named Margaret who used to work there.

Apart from being a fortification against would-be invaders, Fat Margaret has been used a storehouse for gunpowder and weapons, and as a prison.

It currently houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.