St. John's Church in Tallinn

St. John's Church is a Lutheran church in Tallinn's Kesklinn district with Gothic Revival design and a three-nave interior. The building rises above Freedom Square with a distinctive tall tower at its west end, topped by a decorative spire that shapes the local skyline.

Construction began in 1862 under architect Christoph August Gabler in response to the growing congregation. The project took years to complete due to its reliance on donations from local supporters to meet the community's spiritual needs.

The stained glass windows telling Gospel stories were designed by Dolores Hoffmann and bring color and light into the interior. They help visitors connect with biblical narratives while moving through the space.

The church sits closer to the city center than the airport and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should plan to explore during the warmer months when the building welcomes visitors and the surrounding streets feel most alive.

The bell inside the church tower dates from 1872 and carries Estonian text, making it one of the earliest examples of the national language appearing on such objects. This detail connects the building to a pivotal moment in how Estonians saw themselves and their identity.

Location: Tallinn City

Inception: 1862

Architects: Christoph August Gabler

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Address: Vabaduse väljak 1, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia

Website: https://tallinnajaani.ee

GPS coordinates: 59.43375,24.74537

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54