Address: Estonia, Tallinn, st. Barking
Date of foundation: XIII century
Height: 124 m
Coordinates: 59°26"28.8"N 24°44"51.1"E
Short description
Citizens and tourists arriving in Tallinn by sea can see the Church of St. Olaf (or Oleviste) tens of kilometers from the coast.
In 1549 - 1625, the Temple of Oleviste bore the title of the tallest building in medieval Europe, and to this day its spire, soaring 124 meters into the air, makes a majestic impression. At the turn of the 16th century, the church spire, which reached a height of 159 meters, not only served as a reliable landmark for ships, but was also a good target for lightning. The church was struck by lightning 8 times, and burned three times during thunderstorms.
According to legend, the fiery glow from the fire was visible even from the shores of Finland. Today St. Olaf's Church is among the TOP 20 most high temples world and is the second tallest building in Tallinn after the Tallinn TV Tower. To show due respect old church, Tallinn authorities adopted a resolution prohibiting the construction of skyscrapers in the city center higher than the Oleviste spire.
Towers of the fortress wall against the backdrop of St. Olav's Church
The legend of the construction of the Oleviste Church
Tradition says that many centuries ago the people of Tallinn decided to erect a large church in their city with a spire so high that it could be seen by foreign merchants sailing on ships on the sea. Among the masters there was an unfamiliar architect who was willing to take on such a difficult task, but for his work he asked for 10 barrels of gold. For the city authorities, this price was too high, and then the master put forward an unusual condition - if Tallinn residents recognize his name, he will not take a penny for his work, otherwise the payment remains unchanged. When the construction of the temple was nearing completion, the townspeople sent a spy to the architect's wife. Having waited until nightfall, the scout crept to the window and overheard the words of a lullaby that a mother sang to her child: “Sleep, my baby, go to sleep. Tomorrow Papa Olev will return home with ten barrels full of gold.” When the mysterious master was already installing the cross on the top of the spire, the townspeople called out to him: “Hey, Olev! And your cross is tilted!” The disgruntled master let go of the cross from his hands, the scaffolding bent under his feet, and Olev flew down, hitting the ground. At that same moment his body turned to stone, and a frog jumped out of his mouth and a snake crawled out.
View of the church from Oleviste street
The townspeople believe that Olev fell victim evil spirit, because without the participation of a demon it is impossible to build such a grandiose structure. The church was consecrated in honor of the canonized Norwegian king Olaf II, who established Christianity in Norway, and is popularly called the Oleviste Temple - named after the master Olev.
History of the Oleviste Church
Historians believe that the Church of St. Olaf already stood in its current location in the 12th century - where the trading court of Scandinavian merchants was located in the Middle Ages. In written evidence from 1267, the Oleviste Church is mentioned as an active temple, under the tutelage of the Cistercian monastery of St. Mikhail. In the 1420s, the Oleviste Church underwent reconstruction: the longitudinal baptismal room was turned into a basilica, and new vaults and choirs were built. In 1524, during a reform movement aimed against abuses catholic church, the Catholic clergy were expelled from the churches of Tallinn. On the night of September 14, 1524, a reformist crowd plundered interior decoration Church of St. Olaf, but the outside of the temple was not damaged.
View of the church from Lai Street
Since then, the Oleviste Church has become Lutheran, and in 1950, under the arches of this historical building, the unification of seven religious communities Estonia, who created a single Estonian brotherhood. The Livonian chronicler Balthasar Russov, in his chronicles of the life of Tallinn, reports another interesting event related to the history of the Oleviste Church. In 1547, a troupe of traveling artists stopped in Tallinn while passing through. Having pulled a rope between the fortress wall and the tower of the church of St. Olaf, the acrobats decided to amuse the “respectable audience.” One performer performed breathtaking tricks on a tightrope, while another walked down a tightrope.
Sights of the Oleviste Church
The main decoration of the church of St. Olaf are Gothic star vaults, in which the intersection of frame arches creates a complex "star" geometric pattern. Also special attention worthy of the ancient sculptural relief of St. Olaf, placed behind the altar, and the chapel of the Virgin Mary, attached with east side churches. On the outer wall of the Mary Chapel there is a symbolic slab (cenotaph) in memory of the initiator of the construction of the chapel, Hans Pavels (1513).
An ancient and majestic landmark of Tallinn - St. Olaf's Church - was erected on the site where the trading court of merchants from Scandinavia was located in the 12th century.
The earliest information about this church dates back to 1267. In the 15th century, it underwent major changes: new choirs were erected, and the longitudinal part was converted into a basilica with tetrahedral pillars. Between 1513 and 1523, the chapel of the Virgin Mary was added.
Holy King Olaf
The temple was named after the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson, who was later declared a saint. The elegant architecture of the temple has always delighted and attracted travelers coming to Tallinn. The Gothic spire of St. Olav's Church can be seen from anywhere in the Old Town, and is also clearly visible from the sea, which served as a landmark for seagoing vessels.
In the 16th century, the height of the temple reached 159 meters, which made it the tallest building in the world. However, such a huge size brought not only glory to the church, but also danger. The church was struck by lightning eight times, three of which resulted in devastating fires. As numerous eyewitnesses testified, the flames of the blazing fire were visible even from the shores of Finland.
In 1625, the local residents’ patience came to an end, or maybe they simply decided not to tempt fate anymore, and after another fire, the spire of the beautiful Estonian landmark became 34 meters lower, and the church itself lost its status as the largest in the world.
Beneath the very edge of the sky
On the church tower, where the green spire begins, there is Observation deck. In order to get to it, you need to climb a long narrow staircase with high stone steps, which not everyone dares to climb.
The platform is part of the roof and, despite its very impressive height, is fenced only with wire mesh. In such an environment, even experienced extreme sports enthusiasts will feel a powerful adrenaline rush. The most interesting thing is that the width of the area is designed for only one person, so in order to miss the enthusiastic photographers coming towards you, you need to show the amazing abilities of an acrobat.
However, no inconvenience can prevent you from enjoying the magnificent panoramic views of Tallinn below, which are simply breathtaking. From here you can see the city wall and count all the towers.
Don't forget to also plan time to visit Town Hall Square, which today is the heart and interesting attraction of Tallinn.
Oleviste Church (Estonia) - description, history, location. Exact address and website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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The attention of many tourists walking around Tallinn is attracted by the slender spire of one attraction that goes into the sky. You won't miss it either: this is the Oleviste Baptist Church. It is named after the canonized Norwegian King Olaf II. And here the exact date When the Oleviste Church was built, historians cannot say and are inclined to believe that it happened around 1267.
Tourists can go up to the observation deck of the Oleviste Church, from here Tallinn looks clear in full view.
Until the mid-16th century, the temple remained the tallest religious building in the world, but precisely because of this it repeatedly suffered from natural disasters. The fact is that the spire of the Oleviste church attracted lightning strikes, from which the temple even caught fire several times. They say that once that very point was used... by tightrope walkers. The performers stretched a rope from the spire to the city walls of Tallinn and staged an unforgettable performance for the townspeople.
Oleviste Church is open to everyone: both believers and tourists. By the way, guests of Tallinn have the opportunity to go up to the observation deck of the temple.
This pleasure costs just 3 EUR for adults and 1 EUR for children from 7 to 14 years old, and the impressions of the city panorama will last a lifetime. But to do this, you will need to remember your “favorite” classes at the fitness club, since you will have to climb more than one steep staircase - in the medieval church of Oleviste, as you understand, there is no elevator.
The church and observation deck is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
If you're lucky, you can also attend an organ concert or listen to a choir sing. Musical events in the Oleviste Church are held quite often.
Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
Church of St. Olaf, Oleviste Church (Est. Oleviste kirik), German and old Russian name - Olai (German Olaikirche) - Baptist church in Tallinn (Lai Street, 50), a historical building of the 13th century, which is the architectural dominant of the Old Town and a popular observation point platform.
Yes, indeed, the church building is visible from almost anywhere in Old Tallinn.
Location of St. Olaf's Church:
Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia. Official website - oleviste.ee. Phone - +372 641 2241
A little information from Wikipedia:
The Oleviste Church, built on the site where the trading court of Scandinavian merchants was located in the 12th century, is named after the Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson (995-1030), who was later canonized. The first information about the Oleviste church dates back to 1267 as active temple, under the care of the Cistercian women's monastery of St. Mikhail. It was maintained by Scandinavian merchants and served as their parish church. In the 1420s, it was expanded and greatly rebuilt: new choirs were built, the longitudinal part was turned into a basilica with tetrahedral pillars. The vaults of the main nave became star-shaped, and the side ones - cross-shaped.
Inside, the church is made quite modestly and without pathos with gold, as some people like...
About Olaf himself from the same Wikipedia:
Olaf II (Olaf the Holy, Olaf Haraldsson, Olaf the Thick; Old Scand. Óláfr Digre, Norse Olav den hellige/Heilag Olav; 995-29 July (or 31 August) 1030) - king of Norway from 1015 to 1028, representative of the Horfager dynasty, son of Harald the Greenlander. The Saga of Olaf the Saint is dedicated to him. One of the most revered general Christian saints in Scandinavia (also revered in Rus').
Olaf was born in 995. He was the son of the Westfold king Harald Grenske (Greenlander) and the great-great-grandson of Harald Fairhair; Harald the Severe was his half-brother.
In 1009-1013 fought in England (first on the side of the Danes, and then on the side of the Anglo-Saxons).
In 1013, he was converted to Christianity in Normandy, baptized in Rouen and entered the service of the English king in exile, Ethelred. He helped Æthelred return to England and fought on his side against the Danes.
In 1015, Olaf, together with Bishop Siegfried, went to Norway, where the bonds and provincial rulers proclaimed him king.
In 1017, Björn Okolnichy was sent as ambassador to Sweden with proposals for peace, and one of the ways to resolve the conflict was the marriage of Olaf II to Olaf Skötkonung's daughter Ingigerde, and the decision on this marriage was made at the Thing in Uppsala.
For the Swedes, this marriage was beneficial as a way to establish peace on the border, and they convinced Olaf Skötkonung to swear an oath that he would marry Ingigerda to Olaf II. Moreover, it is known that his daughter wanted this marriage. The wedding was supposed to take place in the fall on the border of the two states on the banks of the Elv River. In accordance with the agreements reached, in the fall of 1018, Olaf II arrived at the border to meet with the bride and her father, but they were not there. Messengers sent to Sweden brought disappointing news: in the summer, matchmakers from the Novgorod “King Jaritsleiv” arrived to Olaf Shetkonung, the Swedish king married his daughter Ingigerda to Prince Yaroslav (the Wise), who was then reigning in Novgorod, and Olaf II married her half-sister Astrid .
According to “The Strand of Eymund,” during Olaf’s stay in Novgorod, Ingegerda “had a secret love affair with him.”
Conducted by Olaf more decisively and consistently than his predecessors, the fight against paganism, the reduction of traditional “freedoms” in order to strengthen royal power, changes in the system of feeding and collecting taxes, etc., led to a gap between him and most of the old nobility, as well as those who joined nobles by bonds. Olaf's opponents within the country sided with the king of England and Denmark, Canute the Great, who was claiming power in Norway.
In 1027, in alliance with Sweden, Olaf attacked Denmark, but was defeated and in 1028 was forced to flee to Sweden and then further to Rus', to Novgorod to Ingigerda (Irina). He fled there with his young son Magnus, leaving his wife Astrid in Sweden. In Novgorod, Ingegerda insisted that Magnus stay with Yaroslav. At this time, the Norwegian throne was occupied by Canute I, who appointed his son from his concubine Alviva Svein as “viceroy”.
In 1030, at the call of his supporters, he returned to Norway and tried, with Swedish help, to regain his throne, but in July of the same year (29th or 31st) at Stiklastadir he was killed in a battle with an army of the Norwegian family nobility and bonds.
Peter Nikolai Arbo Tore Hund, at right, spears Olaf at the battle of Stiklestad The glorification of Olaf as a saint took place in Norway on August 3, 1031 (July 29) - on this day Bishop Grimkel, with the consent of King Svein and “by decision of all the people,” “announced that King Olaf was a saint” and transferred his remains to the church of St. . Clement, founded by Olav in Nidaros (Trondheim). In 1164, Pope Alexander III was canonized and began to be revered as the patron saint of Norway.
Saint Olaf is the last Western saint (before Great Schism 1054), also revered on Christian East(Holy Righteous Olaf II Haraldsson, King of Norway, Baptist and Enlightener of the Norwegians).
In Russia, in the name of St. Olaf, churches were consecrated in Novgorod (where he lived for several years) and Staraya Ladoga, where he was passing through visiting the mayor Rögnvald Ulvson, a relative of his ex-fiancée Ingigerda, since between Olaf and Ingigerda there was “the greatest friendship” or, as it is said in “The Strand of Eymund” - Ingigerda “had a secret love affair with him.”
The donjon of Vyborg Castle, long considered the highest in Scandinavia, is also named after the Norwegian king. The fortress of St. Olaf in Savonlinna (Finland) and the Church of St. Olaf - Old Tallinn are famous. St. Olaf is considered the patron saint of travelers on the Baltic Sea.
History of St. Olaf's Church
At the turn of the 16th century, the height of the main tower with its spire reached 159 meters, which allowed the church to be in peace until a fire occurred in 1625 and the palm passed to the Church of St. Mary in Stralsund, and after the disaster in Stralsund to the Strasbourg Cathedral. The church spire soaring into the sky was visible for many kilometers and was a good landmark for ships. However, such a gigantic height also concealed a significant threat: the church was struck by lightning eight times, and three times during a thunderstorm it was subjected to a devastating fire. According to the information that reached us, the fiery glow was visible even from the Finnish coast. The church in its current form has a height of 123.7 meters. According to the decree of the Tallinn city government, skyscrapers built in the city center cannot be higher than St. Olav's Church
One more thing interesting fact related to the history of the church, the pastor of the church mentions - famous chronicler Baltazar Russov. In 1547, tightrope walkers arrived in Tallinn. They pulled a long rope between the church tower and the fortress wall and began to perform dangerous tricks on it.
In 1513-1523, the chapel of the Virgin Mary in the late Gothic style was added to the church. Under its outer wall there is a symbolic grave (cenotaph) of the initiator of the construction, Hans Pavels, with eight reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ.
The Reformation in Tallinn began on September 14, 1524 in the Oleviste Church, which eventually became Lutheran. In the 18th century it became the center of the Pietist awakening in Estonia, and Count N. L. von Zinzendorf preached here in 1736. In the 19th century, many evangelical preachers worked in the Oleviste church, whose influence spread far beyond the church.
The temple delighted many travelers who visited Tallinn with its elegant architecture. In particular, the famous Russian poet Prince Pyotr Andreevich Vyazemsky, who vacationed in the city in 1825, 1826, 1843 and 1844, dedicated a separate poem to the temple.
Until 1944, the Oleviste Church belonged to the German Lutheran community.
In 1950, the building was given to VSEKhB. IN new church The Olevis included believers of four movements: Baptists, Evangelical Christians, Pentecostals and Free Christians. The grand opening of the church took place on September 17, 1950. The service was led by the senior presbyter for Estonia, I. Lipstock; Guests were present: General Secretary of the All-Russian Agricultural Society A.V. Karev from Moscow, Senior Presbyter for the Baltic States N.A. Levindanto from Riga and others.
Oswald Tärk and Oskar Olvik, who had higher theological education, were elected elders of the united Oleviste church.
The cause of unity of believers of different faiths into one Christian family The major renovation of the church also contributed to this, since after the war the church building was not used for its intended purpose for a long time and fell into disrepair. In 1981, a large baptistery was built in the church.
The Oleviste Church eventually became the mother church of the entire Estonian brotherhood. Bible studies began prayer hours for elders, as well as Sunday services that are reminiscent of spiritual conferences held in the past.
In 1978-1980, the church became the center of a charismatic “awakening” that, before government intervention, attracted thousands of people from all over the Soviet Union.
The good acoustics of the Oleviste Church provide excellent opportunities for choral and musical activities. Taking into account traditions, in addition to the united choir, organized in the first years of joint ministry, which included singers from all choirs, two more mixed choirs were formed, as well as male and female choirs, string and brass bands. A youth choir sings in the church and musical groups and ensembles serve - Sanctus, Effafa, Gloria and various chamber compositions.
The organ plays a special role in the development of music and singing ministry. It serves not only to accompany general singing, but also allows the performance of large vocal and symphonic works.
The senior presbyter A. Sildos worked in the church for many years, his deputy was I. Laks, and his advisers were O. Tärk and O. Olvik. Presbyterian service in the church was carried out by Master O. Tärk - from 1950 to 1971, Oskar Olvik - from 1950 to 1977, Y. Meriloo - from 1971, H. Hunt - from 1977. As of 1989, the church had over 1,320 members; About forty brothers preached.
With the arrival of a new generation of ministers, the Oleviste Church continues to worthily fulfill its role in the multinational Baptist Union of Estonia.
Observation deck on the tower of St. Olaf's Church.
It is through such a narrow staircase that you have to make your way to the very tower of St. Olaf’s Church. And at the top there is a grid and you can watch the world through the grid:
True, the view is wonderful.
Climbing the tower costs 2 euros (for children under 14 years old - 1 euro). And you won’t be able to get up here at sunset. The church and observation deck are open daily 10.00-18.00, in July and August, 10.00-20.00
Have you ever been to Tallinn?
Oleviste Church is one of the most ancient and majestic sights of Tallinn, which can be seen from afar while walking around the city, because its green spire goes high into the sky.
Until the mid-16th century, St. Olaf's Church remained the tallest religious building in Europe, and today it is one of the twenty tallest churches in the world and is the second tallest building in the Estonian capital after the Tallinn TV Tower.
Graceful medieval architecture The temple, which has delighted and attracted travelers for many years, continues to do so to this day. In addition to visiting the church itself, the climb to its observation deck deserves special attention, from where you can see the capital of Estonia in full view.
The Oleviste Church often hosts musical events: organ concerts and choir singing. Many tourists who witnessed them note in their reviews the excellent acoustics inside the temple.
Opening hours of Oleviste Church
On a daily basis, the church and observation deck are open only in the warm season - from April 1 to October 30:
- Church: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00;
- Observation deck: from 10:00 to 18:00 every day, except from July 1 to August 31, when it is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
During the winter season - from November 1 to March 31 - the observation deck is closed and there is no access to it, and the church itself is not open every day, but mainly on the days of services. The schedule of services and events can be found on the official website of the Oleviste Church.
Entrance to the temple is free, but you need to pay to visit the observation deck on the church tower: a ticket for adults costs 3 euros, for children from 7 to 14 years old, as well as students and pensioners - 1 euro.
Story
Oleviste kirik in Tallinn has one of the richest histories of any building in the city. The first written evidence about it dates back to 1267, when the church is mentioned as active catholic church, under the care of the Cistercian monastery of St. Michael. The church was located on the site where the trading court of Scandinavian merchants was located in the 12th century. According to some data, its original height was 159 meters, and the spire served as a kind of landmark for ships sailing to Tallinn.
In the 1420s, St. Olaf's Church underwent significant changes: new vaults and choirs were erected, and the longitudinal part was converted into a basilica. Between 1513 and 1523, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary was added in the late Gothic style.
In 1524, the Oleviste Church fell under the wave of a reformation movement directed against the abuses of the Catholic Church. The clergy of the temple were expelled from the city, and the interior of the church was looted, but the outside of the building was not damaged. From that time on, the church became Lutheran.
The church's tall metal spire repeatedly attracted lightning, often causing fires. One of the most serious fires that destroyed the rich antique interior occurred in the church in 1830. The temple building was restored once again, as was its interior, which has survived for the most part to this day.
During the reconstruction, the spire was shortened several times, and the current height of the Oleviste Church is 123.7 meters. According to the current rules in Tallinn, no new building in the city center can be higher than the spire of this temple, so it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks of Tallinn.
In 1950, the building of St. Olaf's Church was given to the All-Union Council of Evangelical Christian Baptists. Over time, the church became a place for meetings and events of the entire Estonian brotherhood.
The legend of the construction of the Oleviste Church
One of the Tallinn legends is connected with the history of the Oleviste Church, according to which its name was not given in honor of the Norwegian king Olaf II Haraldsson, who was later canonized, but is associated with the name of the master who volunteered to carry out a difficult task - the construction of a church with the tallest spire in city. However, the price that the architect asked for his work - 10 barrels of gold - seemed very high to the local authorities. Then the master offered a deal: if the residents managed to find out his name before the end of construction, he would not charge anything for the work, but if not, then the city authorities would pay the full amount.
The townspeople, who did not want to pay such a high price to the master, waited until the church was almost finished and sent a spy to his house, who managed to overhear a lullaby sung by the master’s wife. little son. There were lines in it where the woman mentioned her husband’s name: “Tomorrow Papa Olev will return home.”
The next day, when the master was doing the final work - installing a cross on the spire of the church, one of the townspeople called him by name. Out of surprise and frustration, the architect dropped the cross from his hands and fell from a height to the ground. According to legend, the moment Olev’s body touched the ground, it turned to stone, and a snake crawled out of his mouth and a frog jumped out. According to the townspeople, this was evidence of the master’s conspiracy with otherworldly forces, because in those days it was believed that it was simply impossible to build such a tall building without their help.
Observation deck
On the tower of the Oleviste Church, at the base of the spire, there is an observation deck. Anyone can get there, but to do this you need to pay the ticket price at the ticket office located at the entrance and climb a long, narrow spiral staircase with high, uneven steps, the number of which is more than 200.
The observation deck is essentially part of the roof and is located at a very significant height - about 60 meters. The width of the passages is small and comfortable for one person, so it is not easy to separate from other visitors if necessary, which further adds to the thrill. However, all this does not stop tourists, who in their numerous reviews describe beautiful panoramic views of the city and impressions of visiting the church tower.
It is worth noting that the observation deck goes around and provides a 360-degree view, so you can see different parts of Tallinn: the streets of the Old Town and new areas of the capital, the Gulf of Finland and the port with cruise ships, the railway station. In addition, the site makes for great photos, especially in clear weather when visibility is best. This is another reason to climb to this interesting place.
View of the Oleviste Church in Tallinn - panorama on Google Maps
How to get to St. Olav's Church in Tallinn
Oleviste Church is located in the Old Town, which is not accessible by public transport. However, the closest stops are very close - about 400 meters away is the Linnahall stop, through which trams No. 1 and 2 run. In addition, several bus stops and the Tallinn-Baltijaam railway station are within walking distance.
For those who plan to get to Oleviste Church by private car, you can do this along Lai and Pikk streets, which you can turn onto from Rannamäe tee, which runs around the northern part of the Old Town.
In addition, to get to St. Olav’s Church as quickly and comfortably as possible, you can use a taxi service, for example, one of the popular applications in Tallinn: Uber, Taxofon or Taxify.
Video about St. Olav's Church in Tallinn, Estonia
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