St. Olav’s Church, Breathtaking Panoramic Views from Historic Heights

Lai 50, 10133, Tallinn

The old town of Tallinn is covered in a blanket of snow

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Introduction

St. Olaf's Church in Tallinn, Estonia, is one of the historic buildings in the city and was built in the 12th century as the center of the Scandinavian community. The church was initially dedicated to St. Olaf II, and the first written record appeared in 1267. In the 14th century, the church underwent extensive renovations, and its height reached 159 meters, establishing it as a sea beacon visible from afar. However, the church has been affected by lightning and fires, which led to multiple reconstruction and restoration works. During the Soviet occupation from 1944 to 1991, the church spire was used as a broadcasting tower and surveillance point by the KGB. After multiple renovations and repairs, St. Olaf's Church currently stands at a height of 123 meters and is one of the tallest buildings in Tallinn's old town. Today, the church is an active Baptist church and a famous landmark in the city. According to legend, the man who built the church was named Olaf and died falling from the tower, and snakes and toads crawled out of his mouth. The mural on the wall of the nearby Chapel of the Virgin Mary depicts this legend.