Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an orthodox cathedral in the Old Town of Tallinn, dedicated to Russian saint Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an orthodox cathedral in the Old Town of Tallinn, dedicated to Russian saint Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky. Nestled atop Toompea Hill, it was built in Russian Revival style to designs by Mikhail Preobrazhensky between 1894 and 1900, and is one of the grandest churches in the city. It was disliked by locals initially, as it was a symbol of Russification and Estonia’s suppression. It has, however, stood the test of time and is one of the most popular attractions in Tallinn.

Soaring over the city, its iconic onion domes topped with gilded iron crosses are visible from afar. The façades feature large mosaic panels by Frolov. The Cathedral has 11 bells cast at Vassily Orlov’s bell foundry in St. Petersburg, the largest of which weighs 16.2 tonnes. The interiors have 3 altars, with the main altar-piece of 'The Eucharist Sacrament' painted by Mikhail Vassilyev. The north altar is dedicated to Vladimir I, while the south altar is dedicated to St. Sergius of Radonezh. The church has icons painted on zinc and copper on 3 gilded carved wooden iconostases, along with 4 icon cases by master craftsman P. Abrosimov.

The cupola's arches feature Aleksander Blaznov's painting of the Four Evangelists. Also of note are the stained glass windows by Steinke.

Admission to the Cathedral is free.