- Address: Toom-Kooli 6, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Built: in 1219;
- Architectural styles: Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture;
- Phone: +372 644 4140;
- Website: toomkirik.ee.
One of the oldest temples of Tallinn is the Dome Cathedral, which received a modern look after numerous reconstructions. According to historians, it was erected on the site of a wooden church, which existed back in 1219. The Lutheran Cathedral, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is located in the Old Town . The tower of the temple is built in the Baroque style, and the other chapel-extensions are related to other architectural styles. When visiting the cathedral tourists are shown burials of the 13th-19th centuries, as well as noble emblems and epitaphs, which are represented in the number of 107 pieces.
History of the Cathedral
The Dome Cathedral (Tallinn) is first mentioned in historical chronicles in 1233 because the brothers of the army of Christ killed Danes and laid their bodies near the threshold of the church. The first wooden structure was consecrated in 1240 as a cathedral Roman Catholic cathedral. At the church was opened a school, called the Dome, the mention of which dates back to 1319 year.
For the first time the reconstruction of the cathedral began in the second half of the 13th century. By the 14th century the church had turned into a basilica, but the final covering of the naves only occurred at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1561 the church was transformed into a Lutheran Cathedral. The fire of 1694 destroyed most of the decor and tower above the middle nave. Positive changes in the architectural appearance of the building touched the western tower, which was designed by architect Geist. The modern organ that appears before tourists was created in 1878 by the German master F. Lagedast.
From the original building there was only the altar part. Given the disagreement in historical sources about the year of the erection of the church, even the scientists are not going to assert how old this or that part is.
Visiting the Dome Cathedral in Tallinn, you should see the baroque cathedra, amazing tombstones from different eras, and climb the tower, from there you can see a beautiful view of the whole city.
Features of the architecture of the cathedral
There are three naves in the church, of which the central one continues as an altar part. The western tower of the cathedral serves as the bell tower. In addition, around the main building are buildings built in different periods of history.
The main decoration of simple plastered walls are high lancet windows. The rigidity of the facade is softened by the stone carving above them, which is an openwork bindings. The Dome Cathedral is famous for one of the bells that was cast after a terrible fire in 1685. It is decorated with the image of Our Lady with the Child and a poem in German.
There is an inscription on the next bell, of a smaller size, which is called the "Savior". The dome cathedral is especially visited by tourists because of the following interior features:
- Lodge of the Manteuffel family, made in the Baroque style;
- aba wua - ceiling overhang above the pulpit, which is typical for Catholic churches;
- the altar painting Christ Crucified;
- The body that is considered the largest in Estonia and has the best sound.
In the cathedral there are tombstones of such famous people as I.F. Krusenstern with his wife, Russian navigator, and Swedish commander - Pontus Delagardi. You can see the Estonian architectural landmark in absentia - the Dome Cathedral, a photo of which is available in any guidebook.
Information for travelers
Tourists for a fee are allowed to the observation deck of the tower, but for this to overcome 130 steps. Many tourists wonder where the Dome Cathedral should be sought in the Old Town, and get the following answer: in Vyshgorod, Toom-Kooli, 6.
In addition, it is necessary to find out the schedule of visits, since there are certain restrictions during the services and concerts. The cathedral works usually all summer every day from 9 am to 6 pm. The rest of the time the schedule changes slightly, or rather decreases by one to two hours.
Even lost in the city, you can always ask where the Dome Cathedral is located by any Estonian, and the tourist will certainly be explained and shown the way. The church participates in the action "Night at the Museum", and also tries in every possible way to surprise and please the guests. Therefore, coming to Tallinn, the Dome Cathedral is not bypassed neither by travelers, nor sent to the city. After all, the building is one of the main sights of the capital.
With the Domsky cathedral are associated certain signs and legends. So, with him there is a school, and it is believed that if one touches one of its walls, the enigmatic desire will certainly come true. This is used by many students and students. In addition, near the main entrance to the Dome Cathedral lies the tombstone, where Otto Johann Tuwe, the local Don Juan, rests. Entering the temple, it is customary to pray for him.
How to get there?
The Dome Cathedral is located in the Old Town , 7 minutes walk from the Town Hall Square , so it will not be difficult to find it. In the old town can be reached by public transport: on trams number 2 and number 4, buses number 17 and number 23.