The old town consists of two parts: the Upper town and Lower. Upper is located on a hill Toompea castle (Toompea from the Estonian — which means "Cathedral hill"). These two, located in a nearby settlement in its history, lived different lives. In the upper town settled by foreign nobles and the rulers, and the bottom – traders, craftsmen, etc.

The first settlement on the territory of the old town was a wooden fortress on the hill of Toompea, which was founded around the 11th century. In 1219, the Danes led by king Waldemar II seized strengthening it. Since then, the upper town was the location of the foreign rulers. The Danes started the construction of a stone fortress.

In 1346 the town passed into the hands of the Livonian order, which has been actively upgrading the castle. In this reconstruction, the castle acquired a rectangular form, the corners of which were constructed 4 towers. The first tower built in 1360-70., is a 48-foot building, dubbed "Long Hermann". Its modern form it has acquired in the 15th century, when was built on 10 meters. The next was erected tower Star-den-Curl from the South-East side. It had the shape of an octagon, raised on a square base. At the same time was built a small tower Philistine built in the North-Western corner of the castle. In 1502 in the North-East tower was built Landskron, which today we can observe in a dilapidated condition. From the West side of the Toompea castle was protected by a rocky cliff, and on other sides it was surrounded by 15-foot ditch.

Since the beginning of the 16th century the castle lost its defensive significance, and gradually become the representative building of the Palace. Since the mid-18th century the castle after a long period of desolation, which began with the Northern war began restoration work. By decree of Catherine the great is the Eastern wall of the Palace was built in the late Baroque style, which became the residence of the Local Governor-General. The moat was filled with stones remaining from the destroyed wall. At the same time, the castle lost its tower Star-den-Curl.

Up to the present time preserved the Northern and Western walls and three towers. However, if you look at the castle from the West side, it will make a lasting impression: a huge structure hanging over a steep hill. This show captures day and night, when the lights are on.

Since 1918, the castle houses the government, and today the building is the Parliament of Estonia – Riigikogu (est. Riigikogu). The Estonian Parliament is the highest organ of state power and makes the most important decisions in the country, such as the appointment of the Prime Minister and judges of the Supreme court. Today, the 48-meter tall Hermann tower develops the Estonian flag.

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