Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Tallinn

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Tallinn

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, built at the behest of Tsar Alexander III, is the most important orthodox place of worship and stands on the hill of the city.

It is an Orthodox Cathedral built on Toompea Hill, where according to legend, the body of the greatest Estonian folk hero Kalevipoeg was buried.

The Estonian Cathedral was built between 1895 and 1900 in the Russian Revival style to emphasize Russian hegemony and dominance over the Baltic. The Cathedral has a Greek cross plan characterized by 5 onion domes. 

In 1924, when Estonia proclaimed its independence from Russia, the Estonian people had a desire to destroy the Cathedral as it embodied the symbol of Russian rule they had to endure. 

Despite the wishes of the people, the Cathedral was not razed to the ground and today continues to represent the most important Orthodox church in Tallinn.

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