Dome Cathedral (Tallinn): the main attraction of the Estonian capital

Like any capital, Tallinn has a unique and great history. And so it is obvious that in such cities, as a rule, a lot of various attractions are concentrated, which cause delight among tourists and which local people take pride in. The Estonian capital has turned 800 years old. During this time, many wonderful architectural objects were located on its expanses. One of them is the Dome Cathedral. Tallinn made him famous all over the world. The structure is considered to be the oldest church in the city. It was built in the 13th century by the Danes. And during its existence, the cathedral had occasion to see wars, epidemics, and looting.

History of the cult construction

The Dome Cathedral (Tallinn) is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the Lutheran church, it is located in the Old Town of the Estonian capital on Toom-Kooli street, house six. The full name of the object sounds like the Tallinn Episcopal Dome Church. Today, unfortunately, we can not see the temple as it was originally built. After all, the landmark was repeatedly reconstructed and rebuilt, and therefore much has changed in it. The building of the cathedral was erected on the site, where the wooden old church was built, built in 1219.

The Cathedral Dome Cathedral (Tallinn) was built in 1240. Half a century later, a decision was made on the first reconstruction of the monastery. With the advent of the 15th century, the church wanted to transform it into a basilica. In 1648 there was a terrible fire, during which the southern tower was destroyed. The church decor was also lost forever. After these events, after 90 years, an extreme change was made to the external appearance of the building. Above it was built a western tower in the Baroque style. And in the XIX century the Berlin master installed a huge organ in the cathedral.

Today there are three towers in the Dome Cathedral. Central continued the altar part. The bell tower is located on the west side of the landmark.

Bells of the Cathedral

The Dome Cathedral (Tallinn), whose address we indicated in the article, is famous for its bells. It houses four bells of bronze. Two of them were cast in the XVII century. But the most famous is the bell of the Virgin Mary. It was made in a short time after a terrible fire that occurred in the temple in 1865. The image of the Mother of God with the child adorns this alarm. And on both sides of the face of Saint the engraved poem is engraved in German.

Unusual exhibits of the shrine

The Dome Cathedral (Tallinn) on its territory stores a number of unique exhibits. Inside the church there are many religious objects, which were created by leading sculptors, jewelers and artists of those times. In the very center of the temple is the altar, which at the end of the 17th century K. Ackerman made. Among the masterpieces of this master in the cathedral there is also the sculpture of Moses with the Ten Commandments. The artist from Germany E. Gebhardt painted the altar cloth.

The Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary within its walls stores two boxes. One is made in the classical style and belonged to the Patkul family. The second was the property of the Manteiffel family and made in the manner of baroque. To the unique exhibits of the shrine belongs the altar of the Virgin Mary, as well as the face of Christ, which is called "Come to Me".

A large number of graves of famous historical figures are also located within the walls of a cult structure. For example, the burial of the famous navigator from Russia, Admiral Kruzenshtern. And in the basement rooms of the facility there are over one hundred tombstones dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. In addition, there are coats of arms and epitaphs of historical figures.

A separate mention is worthy of the organ of the Dome Cathedral. It is famous for its splendid sound and is considered one of the best in Tallinn. Today in the church there is a tool made in 1878 by the master F. Ladegast in Berlin.

Interesting facts about the cathedral

Any sightseeing tours to Tallinn involve visiting the Dome Cathedral, which stores a lot of interesting facts about itself. So, the centuries-old history of the building is evidenced by the fact that it was necessary to climb the steps before and thus it was possible to enter the church. Now at the entrance to the landmark people go down. This is due to the fact that around the cathedral appeared a cultural layer.

There is a legend that near the very doors of the institution there is a huge tombstone. Under her is a famous amateur girl Otto Johan Tuve, who wore the nickname of Tallinn's Don Juan. He very much repented before his death and ordered to bury him just near the doors of the cathedral. Thus, he hoped that trampling his ashes, the townspeople forgive him for his sins. There is a version and that Otto asked to bury him at the entrance, in order to be able to look at women under their skirts after death.

Concerts

The Dome Cathedral in Tallinn is incredibly famous today. Concerts of organ music here are wonderful. And they made the object popular all over Estonia. And tourists, and the citizens themselves regularly come to church to get pleasure from these motives. Entrance to the event costs only five euros. For this money, people can enjoy an extraordinarily beautiful music for an hour, which is one of the best impressions in the capital.

Open to all

If you still doubt whether it makes sense to book tours to Tallinn, then do not doubt - this city is worth a visit. And especially then, to see the Dome Cathedral, passed through the ages and survived more than one tragedy. Today it is majestic and beautiful. It is created for worship services and for parishioners who believe in all good and seek grace.