- Address: Lossi plats 10, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Discovery: 1900;
- Architectural style: Pseudo-Russian style;
- Phone: +372 644 3484;
- Website: tallinnanevskikatedraal.eu;
- Architect: Mikhail Timofeevich Preobrazhensky.
The cathedrals dedicated to the great commander, Alexander Nevsky, are very numerous on the territory of the former Russian Empire. One of the most famous and majestic is in the capital of Estonia . The temple is considered quite young, on its account only one solid anniversary - 100 years, which was celebrated in 2000.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - description
The construction of the new cathedral in Tallinn was promoted by the active growth of the Orthodox population. A small church of the Transfiguration could no longer accommodate all the parishioners. The initiator of collecting donations for the new church was Prince Sergei Shakhovskoy. At first, money was not given willingly, but the situation changed dramatically after one event - a miraculous rescue in the railway catastrophe of Tsar Alexander III. In October 1888, the sovereign returned from the Crimea. Suddenly the train jumped off the rails. The roof of the car, in which the royal family rode, began to fail. But the king did not lose his head, courageously propped her shoulders and held it until all members of his family and servants were out. In that terrible accident, more than 20 people were killed, about 50 were injured. The Orthodox considered this a sacred sign. They were convinced that the patron saint of the king saved his family then. Therefore, the new cathedral was decided to be named in honor of Alexander Nevsky. After that, the money for the temple began to gather much more actively. The total amount of donations was almost 435 thousand rubles.
In 1893, on the square in front of the Governor's Palace, the place for the future church was solemnly consecrated. As a sign of this, a large wooden cross with a height of 12 fathoms and a salute was given here. The project was commissioned by Academician Mikhail Preobrazhensky. Looking at the photo of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, one can not help but notice how much it stands out against the background of the surrounding city buildings, which are mostly made in the Gothic style. Its elegant bulbous domes have become a striking architectural accent in the city's overall panorama.
In April 1900 the doors of the new Orthodox church were opened for the parishioners. Today it is a grandiose example of the Orthodox sacral architecture of Tallinn.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is decorated with painted mosaic panels, interior decoration strikes with its beauty and grandeur. In the church there are three gilded wooden iconostasis and four cottages. All of them are made by the same master who gilded the domes of the church - S. Abrosimov. The basis for the work was the sketches of the main designer of the cathedral - Mikhail Preobrazhensky.
The most powerful bell ensemble in Tallinn, consisting of 11 bells, including the biggest bell in the capital weighing 15 tons, was also assembled here.
Information for tourists
- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn is open daily from 8:00 to 19:00;
- entrance to the temple is free;
- the beginning of the morning liturgy: at 8:30 (Monday to Friday), at 9:00 (on weekends);
- the main language of worship is Russian;
- liturgies are held in Estonian on Saturdays (beginning at 11:00);
- it is better not to visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral from 10:00 to 12:00 (at this time, usually there are baptismal rituals);
- in the temple can not come in open or provocative clothes (shorts, T-shirts, short skirts);
- women in front of the cathedral should cover their head;
- I can buy icons, calendars, prayer books, candles and other Christian attributes in the souvenir shop;
- near the second church door there is a special box for donations.
Where is the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky?
The temple is located on Lossi Square (Freedom) 10. If you arrived in Tallinn by train, then walk from the station to this church you can walk in 15 minutes.
It is convenient to get from the Boulevard Toompuieste. Passing from the church of Kaarli along Toompea street up, you will rush into the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, which is located opposite the parliamentary building of the Republic of Estonia .
There is another option - to come from the side of Freedom Square. Passing the staircase that is behind the "glass cross" and moving further along the Kik-in-de-Kök tower , you will reach Toompea street. Then the route is known to you - up to the end.