CHURCH OF SAINTOLAF (OLEVISTE KIRIK)

St. Olaf's church, one of the most imposing Gothic buildings in medieval Europe, was first mentioned in 1267. According to some historians, by 1500, the church was 159 m high, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time. Unfortunately, it was struck many times by lightning, and the structure burned down completely three times. Now a little lower at 124 m, it still dominates many of Tallinn's landmarks. Legend has it that, at the time of its construction, seven foremen fell, one after the other, from the walls of the high tower. Only one, a young worker named Olaf, managed to finish the job. He died a few days later, when the church was struck by lightning. The tower was said to be cursed. In reality, it is dedicated to the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson (canonized as Saint Olaf) and was long the gathering place for Tallinn's old Scandinavians. Until the end of the ^19th century, it was the tallest building ever erected. The church was built to attract merchant ships to Tallinn's trading city, which could see its immense spire from afar. Today, the church tower is open to visitors, and those brave enough to climb to the very top of the stone part of the church will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the entire old town, Toompea Hill and the harbour.