Is there a connection?

Two Different Countries, Two Different Iconic Buildings

The Three Brothers (Trīs Brāļi) in Riga, Latvia, and the Three Sisters (Kolm Õde) in Tallinn, Estonia, are two iconic historic buildings with similar names but in different cities. While they are not directly connected in terms of origin, they share some interesting architectural and historical links due to the geographical proximity of Latvia and Estonia, as well as the shared Baltic heritage.

The Three Brothers (Riga, Latvia): The Three Brothers are three buildings located in the heart of Old Riga, built in the 15th and 16th centuries. They represent different stages of architectural development in Latvia, with the oldest dating back to the late 15th century. The buildings are characterized by their unique facades and historical significance in showcasing the architectural evolution of the region.

The Three Sisters (Tallinn, Estonia): The Three Sisters are three well-preserved buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries located in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Like the Three Brothers, these buildings offer a glimpse into the architectural style of the time, with their distinctive gabled facades and medieval features.

Connection:
The main connection between the Two is their shared medieval architectural style, with a focus on gabled houses built during the same period of time. Both buildings are also representative of their respective cities’ old town charm and have become symbols of their cultural and architectural heritage.

Though the names and exact styles differ, they stand as major examples of the Baltic region’s medieval building traditions and hold important positions in the historic cityscapes of Riga and Tallinn. Their shared status as landmarks makes them beloved by visitors and locals alike.

Old Town Tallinn

Three Sisters

In the northern part of the old city of Tallinn, the three tightly-knit buildings known as the Three Sisters are of great historical and architectural value. The origins of these merchants’ houses date back to the Middle Ages and the earliest written documentation to the 14th century. Over the years the buildings drifted into the possession of different owners until in 1649 the entire complex again had a single owner.

Although belonging to one “family”, the Three Sisters are quite different from one another and in the process of designing the hotel, this has become even more evident. Architecturally the most prominent is the corner building, or Big Sister. Its plan, a stretched rectangle, is also different from other late-Gothic dwelling houses in Tallinn.

The two other Sisters appear outwardly more modest, but possess the more interesting interiors.

The Middle Sister retains some elements that are typical of buildings elsewhere in old-Tallinn: a centrally located Dornse with the Mantelkorsten, a cooking and washing space covered with a large hood for ventilation.

The Small Sister again has its own special floor plan, divided into front and rear wings, with a smaller Mantelkorsten in between, and a semi-spiral staircase running up its side wall, clearly visible in the courtyard elevation. It is actually the only “original” staircase in the complex and can be used as an escape route. All other staircases have been added later during different periods.

_{Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.}