Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, in Tallinn

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the spectacular Orthodox cathedral of Tallinn, recognisable by its onion domes. The Tallinn audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary of Russian religious art, which dominates the Toompea hill.

The Orthodox sanctuary with the onion domes

Spectacular with its onion domes, witnesses of the norms of Russian religious art, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is seen from afar and dominates the Toompea hill. This imposing Orthodox cathedral was built at the end of the nineteenth century, at the time when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire of the tsars. It is dedicated to St Alexander Nevsky, a venerated prince and hero of Russian history. Its architecture is typical of the traditional Russian style, with its black domes topped with Orthodox crosses, its richly adorned façades and its mosaics. Inside, the building shines with gildings, icons and iconostases, in the pure tradition of the Orthodox Church. Located facing Toompea Castle, seat of power, its construction also had a symbolic significance, affirming the Russian presence in the heart of the Estonian capital. Still today an active place of worship of the Orthodox community, it is one of the most photographed monuments of the town and a major testimony of this page of history. An Orthodox sanctuary and a jewel of Russian art, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the spectacular Orthodox cathedral that dominates Toompea, built at the end of the nineteenth century when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, dedicated to St Alexander Nevsky, with traditional Russian architecture with black onion domes and Orthodox crosses, with an interior shining with icons and gildings, facing the castle seat of power. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a jewel of Russian art in Tallinn. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral lies on the Toompea hill, facing the castle, in Tallinn, reachable on foot. An active Orthodox place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary and a correct dress is required. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn?

The spectacular Orthodox cathedral of Tallinn, which dominates the Toompea hill, built at the end of the nineteenth century when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire and dedicated to St Alexander Nevsky; with traditional Russian architecture with onion domes and an interior shining with icons, it is an active Orthodox place of worship.

Where is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn?

On the Toompea hill, facing the castle, in Tallinn, in Estonia.