Swedish St. Michael's Church, Tallinn

Saint Michael Swedish Church is located in the Old Town section of Tallinn, and has been a spiritual and cultural center for the Swedes for centuries. Many Nordic people call the building a church home now though.

The building did not start out that way though. It was originally constructed to be an almshouse for the poor of Tallinn. For a period in the history of the church, it also housed a spinning factory for fallen women in the community. During the Soviet era, the church was used as a weightlifting room by the Russian Army. After 1933, though, the church was given back to the local Swedish community that worships there now.

Today, the congregation has over 300 members. Worship is held here each Sunday at noon. Masses are also held on Wednesday evenings from Saint Michael’s Day to Easter. The location is also used by some small German and Finnish parishes. The church is also well known for the famous acoustics of the building. Hence, many concerts are given here.

The building is also the home of Ruutli Folk High School, as well as a museum for the Estonian Swedes of Tallinn.