kiek

Kiek is most commonly associated with Kiek in de Kök, a medieval artillery tower in Tallinn, Estonia. The name comes from Low German and translates roughly as “peek into the kitchen.” The tower is a well-known landmark of Tallinn’s old town and is part of the historic city fortifications.

The tower stands on Toompea Hill and was built in the late 15th century as a watchtower and artillery strongpoint. It served as a key element of Tallinn’s defenses, housing cannons and providing a vantage point over the approaches to the town. Over the centuries it remained an integral part of the fortifications and its role evolved with changes in military technology and urban development.

Today Kiek in de Kök is preserved as a museum run by the Tallinn City Museum. It presents exhibitions on Tallinn’s medieval fortifications, urban history, and the use of artillery in the city’s defense. The site includes access to the surrounding bastions and underground passages, offering visitors a view of the old town and the harbor from its elevated position.