Dome Church (St. Mary's Cathedral)

Overview

The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, known locally as the Dome Church (Toomkirik), is the oldest church in mainland Estonia. Founded in 1233 on Toompea Hill, it has been a place of worship for nearly 800 years and now serves as a Lutheran cathedral.

Highlights

• Coats of Arms: The walls are covered with an extraordinary collection of over 100 medieval and early-modern heraldic shields belonging to Baltic German noble families.
• Tombstones: Notable burials include the Swedish military hero Pontus de la Gardie and the explorer Adam Johann von Krusenstern.
• The Bell Tower: Climb the baroque bell tower for views over Toompea.

History

Originally built as a wooden church when the Danes conquered Tallinn in 1219, it was rebuilt in stone by the 14th century. The church has been destroyed by fire multiple times, most devastatingly in 1684. The current building mixes Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements from successive restorations.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 20–30 minutes.
• Free entry: The church itself is free; there is a small fee for the bell tower.
• Services: Regular Lutheran services are held in Estonian and occasionally in German.