The Church of Holy Spirit

Tallinn, Estonia

The Church of Holy Spirit is the only sacred building from 14th-century Tallinn preserved its original form. The church was originally founded as part of the neighbouring Holy Spirit Almshouse, which tended to the town's sick and elderly. Throughout Medieval times it remained the primary church of the common folk. First Estonian-language sermons were held there, and the famous Livonian chronicler Balthasar Russow worked as a teacher there in the late 16th century.

Before entering the church, take a look at the façade, where there is clock that has been measuring time since the 17th century. The interior is richly decorated an exquisite example of wooden sculpture from the Gothic era. The altar, commissioned from Berndt Notke in 1483, is one of the four most precious medieval works of art in Estonia. Services in English are held every Sunday at 15:00. Musical hours are held each Monday starting at 18:00.

References: VisitEstonia, Tallinn Tourism, TallinnEstonia.eu

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Address

Pühavaimu 2, Tallinn, Estonia
See all sites in Tallinn

Details

Founded: 1319
Category: Religious sites in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)

More Information

www.eelk.ee
www.visitestonia.com
www.tourism.tallinn.ee
tallinnestonia.eu
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Kai Põld (7 months ago)
A 14th century Catholic church. Dear to the heart of every Estonian,because from Wandrad/Köell Cathecism 1535 we take the history of the Estonian language printed books. Altar commissioned from Lübek made by Berndt Nodtke, who also is the author of Dance Macabre in the Niguliste Church. Anglicani services too. .
Gaijin (10 months ago)
Originally consecrated in the early 13th Century. After the Reformation, the first Estonian sermons, supplanting the German versions, were held here and Johann Koell's Catechism, written by the pastor of the church and published in 1535, is considered the first book in Estonian. The exterior façade has a beautiful clock which has been keeping time here since the 17th Century. The church has a roll of honour, listing the 112 British RN sailors who lost their lives in the Baltic Sea operations 1918~20 which enabled Estonia and Latvia to declare independence from the Bolshevik USSR. Many are buried in Tallinn. CHURCH OPEN FOR TOURISTS  Monday to Saturday: 0900 - 1800 Sunday: between services.  Entry fee applies.
Keith H (12 months ago)
Peaceful quiet church in the. Middle of busy Tallin
Derek Brereton (13 months ago)
Please like if this review is helpful
Sue Leffler (13 months ago)
Church is quite beautiful inside with wonderful stain glass window with interesting paintings even on along the aisle side of some of the pews. Shortly after entering there was amazing music with 3 musicians singing and playing old instruments including a recorder, drum, lute and hurdigurdis (spelling?) Acoustics were wonderful.
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