Bucket List: Praying at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Estonia, Tallinn, Praying at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This article was originally published in this blog in June 2018. Visiting the Baltic region for the first time in 2017, I was both amazed and impressed by what I experienced. As I travelled around the region, the ticks in my personal Travel Bucket List keep growing. This is a region deep in history and culture. It will take many trips over the coming years to fully appreciate what the region has to offer to travellers like myself. I will surely return for subsequent visits.

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Tallinn is both the capital city as well as cultural heart of Estonia. Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, the city of Tallinn is both a reflection of new and old. The recent economic growth of Estonia has transformed the country greatly. Evident of this is everywhere including in Tallinn itself, mostly represented by gleaming, neat and artfully designed office towers.

Yet, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site-inscribed Old Town, the Gothic-style Town Hall and historical Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn retains much of its medieval heritage to give visitors unique insights into its rich history and culture. Those who are interested in history will be pleased to know that Tallinn itself is home to many museums and galleries. These include the Estonian History Museum, the Estonian Maritime Museum and the Tallinn City Museum.

History and Geography

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in the late 19th century when Estonia was still part of the Russian Empire. The cathedral is one of the largest and most grand orthodox church in Tallinn.

Located in the hills of Toompea, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral can be seen from many parts of the city including out in the Baltic Sea.

The Onion Domes of the cathedral are topped by iron-gilded Crosses, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Climate

The city of Tallinn has a continental climate including mild and relatively warm summers to cold and snowy winters. The warmest months are typically between June to August while the coldest months are between December to February.

Getting There

Getting to Tallinn is easy. The city is connected to the Finnish capital of Helsinki by Ferry where there are numerous daily services, both ways. Regular ferry services also run between Stockholm (Sweden), St Petersburg (Russia) and Tallinn.

The Tallinn Airport has direct flights to and from major European cities including Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Dublin (Ireland), Frankfurt (Germany) and London (United Kingdom).

What to Expect

The richly decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located within walking distance of the touristy Old Town. Crowned by 5 Onion Domes which are topped by gilded iron Crosses, the cathedral can be seen clearly in the Tallinn  skyline.

As my ferry from Helsinki approached Tallinn, I could clearly see the cathedral even out in the calm waters of the Baltic Sea.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is clearly visible from the viewing deck of the ferry as it approached Tallinn from out in the Baltic Sea, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

The interior of the cathedral is what you would typically expect in an orthodox church, except that everything is on a grander scale. In the interior are 3 altars.

During my visit, a service was in session and I sat respectfully at a distance, observing the service and praying silently as I usually did in any other churches I visited. Those conducting the service were attired in traditional orthodox-styled robes which to me, invoked a great sense of reverence and nostalgia.

The exterior of the cathedral is impressive. Apart from the distinctive Onion Domes, the Russian-style architecture is unmistakable. Standing small amidst the towering cathedral, it seemed like I had been magically teleported to the Russia of the distant past.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as seen on the approach from the Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

I took slow strolls around the cathedral, taking photos with both my mobile phone and my DSLR camera while admiring the details on the walls of the exterior. It was when I had returned to Helsinki and googled for more information on the cathedral that I realised that some of these details were depicting Saint Alexander Nevsky.

Details on the exterior of the cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia (2017)

Tips and Advices

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral can be easily included in your itinerary in any day trips to Tallinn.  It is within walking distance of the Old Town. With its distinctive architecture, you just can't miss the cathedral. There are no restrictions on gender with regards to entry to the public areas of the cathedral. Just remember to be quiet and respectful as this is a place of worship. Speaking loudly or shouting when inside the cathedral should be avoided so as not to disturb the peace, those worshipping and other visitors.

Estonia uses the Euro so changing of currency is not required if you are already visiting other European countries that uses the Euro during your trip. Credit cards (Amex, Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in Tallinn even for small purchases. This removes the inconveniences to deal with small change including coins.