Things to do in Ida-Viru County, Ida-Viru County: The Best Churches & Cathedrals

The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was completed in 1895 as part of the plan of Estonian governor Shakhovskoy to make Johvi the centre of the Russian Orthodox faith in the north-east of the country. The nearby Puhtitsa convent of the Dormition of the Mother of God, known to locals as the Kuremae convent, was also founded by nuns who came to Johvi. Built in Historicist style from natural stone and red brick, the church is open to visitors every day in summer.Did you know…?*The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was the first place of work of the young Aleksei Mihhailovitš Ridiger – who would go on to become Aleksius II, patriarch of all Russia.

It was built in 1890-1896 for the orthodox workers of Kreenholm Manufactory. The architect was Pavel Alis. Architectural solution comes from Byzantine tradition. Belltower is 28,8 m high. Church's walls and dome are made of local bricks. Rides, stairways and ornaments are made of Finnish granite. There is room for 2000 people. You can see three part iconostasis and 17th century’s Christ’s crucifix. Good to know: on year 1944 during the second world war, the bombing of the city left only the church untouched.

The church was built in 1881–84 for the Lutheran workers of the Kreenholm Factory and it was designed by St. Petersburg architect, Otto Pius von Hippius. The Alexander's Cathedral was damaged during both World War I and II. The bell town was destroyed in 1944 along with the Walcker organ that was located there. Today the church’s bell tower has been restored and Estonia’s largest hexagonal church hall awaits restoration. At the Alexander's Cathedral you can visit the bell tower and the observation platform installed there, as well as a museum where artworks from the 14th to 21st century are displayed.

Church of St. Michael in Johvi centre is the oldest building in the town. It is believed to be built in the middle of 13th century. The peculiarities of the church are 2m thick walls and elements of stronghold that make the church of St. Michael the best protected fortification church in the whole Estonia. Today you can get acquainted with the history and legends of the church as well as with the museum in its cellar with the help of audio-guide available in 6 different languages.Interesting to know:Church of St. Michael is the biggest one-nave church in Estonia.In the museum you can find the oldest metal objects found in Estonia from Jabara burial mound.The church is a popular concert place thanks to its unique acoustics.

The John the Baptist church in Luganuse is situated on the tip of the triangle of land forming the point where two streams meet as one in the Purtse River. The church has an eye-catching round clock tower, a true rarity in this day and age – the only other one in Estonia being on the Harju-Risti church.Did you know…?*Between 1788 and 1795 the vicar of the local congregation was renowned literary figure Otto Wilheim Masing, who came up with the letter O, which is only used in the Estonian language.