Pinsteps. St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste kirik in Estonian) in Tallinn, Estonia
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St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste kirik in Estonian) is a historic landmark in Tallinn, Estonia, and is among the top 20 tallest churches in the world. Today, it is the second tallest structure in Tallinn, surpassed only by the Tallinn TV Tower. To honour the church's historical stature, Tallinn's authorities have enacted regulations prohibiting the construction of skyscrapers in the city centre that exceed the height of St. Olaf's spire.

The church's origin dates back to the 12th century and is linked to a fascinating legend. It is said that many centuries ago, the people of Tallinn wanted to build a large church with a spire so tall that it could be seen by foreign merchants sailing by sea. An unknown master builder agreed to take on the project but requested ten barrels of gold as his fee. When the townspeople found the price too high, the builder offered an unusual condition - if they could discover his name, he would not charge them for his work. As the church construction neared completion, the townsfolk sent a spy to the builder's wife. The spy overheard a lullaby she sang to her child that revealed the builder's name, Olev. When the townspeople called out to the builder by his name as he was installing the cross at the top of the spire, he was so shocked that he let go of the cross, fell from the scaffolding, and turned to stone upon hitting the ground. From his mouth emerged a frog and a snake.

Historically, St. Olaf's Church is believed to have been established on its site in the 12th century, where a trading yard of Scandinavian merchants was located during the Middle Ages. However, the first written mention of the church dates back to 1267, when it was protected by St. Michael's Cistercian women's monastery. In the 1420s, the church underwent significant reconstruction, transforming the longitudinal baptistery into a basilica and constructing new vaults and choirs.

During the Reformation movement in 1524, aimed against the abuses of the Catholic Church, the Catholic clergy was expelled from the churches of Tallinn. On the night of September 14, 1524, a crowd of reformists plundered the interior of St. Olaf's Church. However, the exterior of the church remained intact.

The spire of St. Olaf's Church, which today stands at a height of about 123.7 meters, was at one point in the 16th century reportedly 159 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Tallinn, and to maintain this historical symbol, the city has prohibited the construction of any building taller than the church in the city centre.

The church hosts an active congregation and is used for regular worship services, and its acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts featuring Estonian and international musicians. Despite its turbulent history, the church remains an iconic part of Tallinn's skyline and a significant symbol of its rich history.

Photo By Olga Itenberg


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
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Tallinn Old Town - The First Encounter

This is a relatively short and simple route that covers the most famous landmarks of the city. From the Viru Gates to the Town Hall Square, through the Pikk Jalg (Long Leg) street to the Upper Town, then descending to the Kiek in de Kök Tower and passing through the streets of the Old Town to the Northern Gates - the Fat Margaret Tower. Stories, legends, tales, beauty, and mysteries of the city.

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