Oleviste kirik

Right after the Estonian Ministry of Interior in Pikk 61 is one of Tallinn’s most historic landmarks Oleviste kirik, St. Olaf Church in English. It’s creation goes all the way back to the years when Tallinn was still just a small settlement. The lack of written records before the 13th century make the tracing of its origin a bit obscure but it seems the place was of religious importance to the Scandinavian community that had established its trading outpost long before the Danes conquered the town.

According to the legends the site was dedicated to King Olav Haraldsson of Norway (995-1030), who had started his viking trips to Europe from Estonia and later became baptized, quickly becoming a popular Scandinavian Saint after his death. When the Danes took over in 1219 they promptly established a formal church dedicated to their Saint.

Its amazing story continued. The church acquired one of the tallest towers in Europe (159 meters high) when still under the Roman Catholic Dogma, the construction of the magnificent Mary’s chapel however remained unfinished. Estonians became very quickly fervent supporters of the Reformation. That meant no sculptures and no freezes could adorn the church.

Under the Lutheran Church for more than 400 years it eventually became a Baptist Church in 1950. The building survived countless fires due to lightning hits only to be rebuilt again to its former glory. Today its 159 meters high tower is one of the favorite city symbols of Tallinn. Be sure to climb up the 232 steps to the observation platform for amazing views of the Old Town. Free concerts are common and by all means ideal in a place like this. More