Viru Gate

The Clay Gate, also known as the Viru Gate, is a historic city gate in the medieval fortifications of Tallinn's Old Town. Named after the clay pits that once lay outside the city wall, it is first mentioned in 1362. The complex originally consisted of a main gate, a forward gate, and a fortified water mill that remained in operation until the 19th century. After the gate lost its military significance, the five-story main tower was demolished in 1843 and the gate proper in 1888. Today only the round side towers of the forward gate survive, recalling the defensive architecture that once lined the eastern edge of the Old Town.