City: Estonia
Top Things to do in Estonia
10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Estonia That You Shouldn't Miss
– in Europe (green & grey)
– in the European Union (green) – [Legend]
Restaurants in Estonia
1. Rajakula Old Believers' Worship House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It is believed that the Raja congregation of Old Believers was established in the first quarter of the 18th century. The congregation was given permission to build its own church only in 1879. The church was destroyed during the Second World War – the only thing left is the belfry. The present worship house has 11 rooms. In 1854–1930 Gavriil Frolov lived in the worship house. He taught children icon-writing, reading and writing in Old-Slavic, also singing based on old musical notation.
2. Esku Chapel and Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Esku chapel, nestled in the middle of the forest in Lahemaa National Park, was built in 1845 by the von Fock family of Sagadi Manor. It was designed for their use as well as a place of burial for the local farming families. Its garden was redesigned as a cemetery at the behest of Baron Paul Eduard von Fock and is unlike any other you will find in Estonia. What makes it unique are the wooden crosses and small stone name plates you will find here.
3. Reomae Apostel Andrease kirik
4. Aleksander Nevski Katedraali
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,492 reviews
This onion-domed, Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1900 and named after the Russian hero who defeated the Teutonic Knights in the thirteenth century.
Reviewed By TingCO - Manila, Philippines
This beautiful cathedral, though fairly typical for Russian cathedrals, adds a wonderful fancy touch to the overall feel of Tallinn. You can enter, but be quiet and respectful. Hats off, don’t disturb anyone, and you can’t take pictures. Enjoy the beautiful icons and the majestic serenity of this place. Definitely worth a stop.
5. St. John the Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
6. Church of the Holy Spirit Puhavaimu Kirik
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Dating from the fourteenth century, this beautiful church boasts a splendid interior with a suspended pulpit, carved wooden pews and altar and the not-to-be-missed, azure-faced wall clock (circa 1684) on the outer wall.
Reviewed By PBTravelstheWorld - Woodinville, United States
Wonderful church with a painted gallery that tell so many of the Bible stories! It was the end of the season so they were out of English language literature, but the painted gallery was amazing! Very nice alter piece too and the well worth a very nominal entrance fee.
7. St. John's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By PBTravelstheWorld - Woodinville, United States
Great church made of brick part of the Baltic Brick Gothic Churches (mainly in Baltic states, Poland, Germany, Denmark). These churches and areas are all associated with the Hanseatic League and the trade and wealth that these areas enjoyed. Besides the amazing brick work (stop outside and really look at this intricate Gothic workmanship) building is the terracotta faces. Each one is different, so not from a mold. Some with crowns, period hats and head coverings, all with different facial features both men and women. There are over 200 and if you have a small pair of binoculars it helps. If you only do one church in this town - this is the gem to see!
8. Beit Bella Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Hawk470 - Baltimore, United States
Reports of Jewish settlers in what is now Estonia date from the 14th century, with Johannes Jode’s arrival in 1333, however their main settlement occurred in the 19th century when they officially were allowed entry by Czar Alexander II in 1865. Never as large a population as in the neighboring countries, the Jewish community grew and participated fully in the life of the country, including the Estonian War for Independence after World War I under an official policy of cultural autonomy. When the Soviet Union took over the Baltic countries as a result of its non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany, about 10% of Estonia’s Jewish citizens were deported and disappeared. When the Nazis invaded, about 75% of the remaining population managed to flee to the Soviet Union. Nearly all of those who stayed 950-1,000 men, women and children were exterminated, along with thousands more deported to Estonia from other countries. Fewer than a dozen survived the war in Estonia. After the war, about 1,500 Jews returned from the Soviet Union and the population grew, but it was not until after the fall of Soviet Union, that Jewish life in Estonia began to fully recover. The Beit Bella Synagogue opened in 2007 in the newer part of town. Modern, airy and with a sensational use of natural light, it is the religious center of today’s Jewish community, offering the full range of religious, cultural, and educational services. It also houses a small and very informative museum of the history of the Jews of Estonia. We attended the Saturday morning service and felt most welcome.
