ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL

This vast, richly decorated Orthodox church was built in Tallinn in 1900, when the city was still part of the Russian Empire (since 1710). Inaugurated by Nicholas II himself, this monumental church has become one of the city's symbols, bearing the name of Alexander Nevsky. He was a Russian national hero who distinguished himself during the famous Battle of the Ice in 1242, defeating the Swedes and the Teutonic Order, the two powers that also dominated Tallinn in the past... The cathedral was originally built as a symbol of both religious and political domination. Its construction was financed by wealthy merchants from the merchant guilds.

Today, it is the main cathedral of the Russian Orthodox community. It makes up almost 40% of the city, a legacy of the Soviet period when many Russians settled in Tallinn during the industrial boom. The power of the building can be felt both on the outside, as it cuts into the Tallinn skyline, and inside, in its spacious nave. The church tower features Tallinn's largest set of bells, the tallest of which weighs over 15 tons! You can hear them chime before every church service. The interior, decorated with mosaics and icons, is superb. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must-see in the Estonian capital, especially if you've never been to Russia!