Jõelähtme Church, Jõelähtme, Estonia

Jõelähtme church is one of the oldest churches in Harjumaa County. The building of Gothic-styled church was started in 1220s and completed in the beginning of 14th century. Jõelähtme church was consecrated to Virgin Mary.

The church has been rebuilt several times. The last rebuilding in 1910 was carried out after a conflagration: the gable end tower was replaced by a massive tower erected in front of the portal. Although the church has been subject to damage at various times, it still has the Late Renaissance pulpit and the Baroque altar (completed in 1670).

The grave of Gustav Heinrich Schüdlöffel (1798-1859), pastor who ministered the congregation for a long time and is known for his literary achievments, can still be seen in the cemetery. In March 2000 the altar crucifix, two candlesticks, four chandeliers, two girandoles and the contribution box were stolen from Jõelähtme church. In April 2001 the thieves returned the stolen objects.

User Reviews

Чаина Зайченко (11 months ago)
Very atmospheric and quiet place! Sumptuously!

Юлия Мировидова (11 months ago)
Very atmospheric and quiet place! Sumptuously!

Tatjana Mäeots (13 months ago)
Feels old and picturesque of the place

Laur Oras (13 months ago)
However, with a long history, the beautifully renovated church had unfortunately stolen the key to the tower door and the tower could not go.

Ingrid Murs (16 months ago)
A beautiful sight was seen in the shadow of the church in the sky ?

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)

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King Eric's grand daughter, Ingeborg Håkansdotter, inherited the area from her father, King Haakon V of Norway. She and her husband, Eric, Duke of Södermanland, established a semi-independent state out of their Norwegian, Swedish and Danish counties until the death of Erik. They spent considerable time at the fortress. Their son, King Magnus IV of Sweden (Magnus VII of Norway), spent much time at the fortress as well.

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