Who were the wealthy and handsome in medieval Tallinn? The dashing Blackheads!

The Brotherhood of Blackheads – young, unmarried merchant apprentices from abroad – were a hidden force in Tallinn’s city life. Though not yet citizens of Tallinn, they were ones leading the city’s social scene. They were the masters of ceremony, and their legendary parties and feasts – especially during Christmas and Shrovetide – made the whole city buzz with excitement.

On this guided tour, you’ll hear why even the mystery of the world’s first Christmas tree has been linked to the Blackheads’ celebrations. You’ll also discover what made their patron saint, Saint Maurice, so special and what role the church played in their everyday lives. We’ll take a look behind the scenes of powerful Hanseatic trade, and even help a merchant apprentice choose a bride!

By the end of the tour, you’ll find out how the brotherhood evolved into a club – and what became of the Blackheads in the modern day.

English-language tour on November 26 at 16.00.

The tour will be led by Getter Kitsing, a visitor guide of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

Other tour times

22nd of November

12.00 Estonian-language tour. The tour will be led by Edvard Krik, a visitor guide of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

14.00 Russian-language tour. The tour will be led by Natalja Gritsõk, a visitor guide of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

25th of November 

17.00 Estonian-language tour. The tour will be led by Tõnu Pedaru, a historian and guide-curator of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

18.00 Russian-language tour. The tour will be led by Natalja Gritsõk, a visitor guide of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

29th of November

13.00 Estonian-language tour. The tour will be led by Tõnu Pedaru, a historian and guide-curator of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket

14.00 Russian-language tour. The tour will be led by Natalja Gritsõk, a visitor guide of the Tallinn City Museum. Buy a ticket