Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn (must see)

Built between 1894 and 1900 to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects the period when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, the Russian prince who secured victory at the Battle of the Ice in 1242 on nearby Lake Peipus.

Its architecture stands in clear contrast to the surrounding medieval cityscape. Designed in the Russian Revival style, the cathedral features onion-shaped domes, richly ornamented façades, and layered decorative details that distinguish it from the Gothic and Baroque buildings nearby. As Tallinn’s largest Orthodox cathedral, its scale and elevated location make it visible from many points across the city.

Inside, the cathedral presents a richly decorated interior typical of Orthodox tradition. Gilded icons, mosaics, and painted surfaces create a dense visual environment, centered around the iconostasis that separates the altar from the nave. The interplay of light and gold surfaces gives the space a distinct atmosphere, differing markedly from the more restrained interiors of Lutheran churches in Estonia. The cathedral’s bells, among the largest in Tallinn, add another defining feature with their deep, resonant sound.

The cathedral’s history has not been without controversy. Built during a period of Russification, it was at times viewed as a symbol of imperial authority, and plans for its demolition were even considered in the 1920s, though never carried out. During the Soviet era, when religious practice declined, the building fell into disrepair. Since Estonia regained independence in 1991, the cathedral has been carefully restored and continues to function as an active place of worship, while also welcoming visitors interested in this distinct chapter of Tallinn’s past.