Raekoja

Raekoja is the Estonian term for a city hall and is used in the official names of municipal buildings and central squares in many Estonian towns. The word raekoja is the genitive form of raekoda, literally “house of the city council.” In practice, Raekoja often designates the central square known as Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square) that traditionally housed markets and civic gatherings and remains a focal point of municipal life.

Central squares named Raekoja plats typically feature the town hall as a principal building and often host cultural events, markets, and festivals. Architecturally, these town halls range from late medieval or Gothic originals to later Baroque or neoclassical reconstructions, reflecting fires, wars, and modernization.

Notable examples include Tallinn Raekoja plats, dominated by the Tallinn Town Hall, a historic Gothic building dating to the 15th century and the home of the “Old Thomas” weather vane. The square remains a major tourist and civic hub, with cafés and seasonal markets. Other Estonian towns with Raekoja Squares include Tartu, Viljandi, and Pärnu, each with its own raekoja and surrounding historic core.

The term underscores the long-standing role of the city hall and its surrounding square as centers of administration, commerce, and public life in Estonian towns.