St. Mary's Cathedral, Lutheran cathedral in Vanalinn district, Tallinn, Estonia

St. Mary's Cathedral is a Gothic building in Tallinn's Old Town featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a 69-meter-high tower topped with a Baroque spire dating to 1779. The structure remains in active use as a place of worship and offers visitors both architectural details and a sense of ongoing religious practice within the city.

Construction began in the 1230s under Danish King Valdemar II, who established it as the principal church of his Estonian territories. Over subsequent centuries, the building underwent numerous modifications and survived various historical upheavals, with its physical form reflecting these different eras.

The cathedral serves both Lutheran and Catholic communities today, housing medieval tombstones and religious artifacts within its walls. This shared religious function reflects how different faith groups have maintained connections to the building over centuries.

The building is generally open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday, allowing exploration of its interior spaces and architectural features. Organ concerts are held regularly, adding an extra layer of experience to a visit.

An unusual episode occurred in 1927 when the tower keys changed hands under disputed circumstances between Estonian authorities and church representatives. This incident reflects the complicated relationship between secular authority and religious institutions during early independence.

• Location: Tallinn City
• Inception: 13 century
• Architectural style: Gothic architecture
• Address: Toom-Kooli 6
• Phone: [phone]
• GPS coordinates: 59.43702,24.73887
• Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55