St. Mary's Cathedral (Toomkirik)
Tallinna Toomkirik
One of the oldest churches in Estonia, in the heart of Toompea. The walls are hung with carved wooden coats of arms of noble families.
St. Mary's Cathedral was first built as a wooden church by the Danes in the 13th century. After a fire in Toompea in 1684, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. It is one of the oldest churches on mainland Estonia and is the cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran archbishop. The most striking features inside are more than one hundred carved wooden coats of arms of Baltic German noble families from the 17th to the 20th centuries, which hang on the walls, along with many stone sarcophagi and gravestones. These include the tomb of Krusenstern, the navigator and admiral, and of Swedish and Russian generals. The Baroque bell tower can be climbed for a fee, with about 140 steps, and offers views over Toompea and the Lower Town. There is a small admission fee to enter, and climbing the tower costs extra (confirm on site). It can be linked on foot with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the viewing platform.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Toompea
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms
- Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Passages
- St. Nicholas' Church (Niguliste Museum)
- Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
- Balti Jaam Market
- Great Guild Hall (Estonian History Museum)