Alexander’s Lutheran Church in Narva

Visited June 9, 2012

The Embassy sponsors a Soap Box Derby each year in Narva, in the northeast part of the country. The area's population is mostly Russian speaking, and in fact, only the Narva River separates Russia from Estonia there.  But our Soap Box Derby there brings together Estonians and Russians from across the country for a day of fun.

While I was there this year, I went to see Alexander’s Lutheran Church, which built in 1884 and was damaged by the Soviets in World War II. Because it is the largest church building in Estonia, it was hard to get a picture from the ground. But I did get this nice shot from the tower in Narva Castle.

The Soviets used the church as a warehouse, but restoration work there is really bringing back the church's beauty. You can tell the original from the restored parts on the inside.

Niguliste Church in Tallinn

Visited May 28, 2012

Right off of Vabaduse Valjak (Freedom Square) is the Niguliste Church, one of the Old City's more recognizable sights. My first time there was in preparation for the September 11 10th anniversary concert.

Niguliste is no longer a church, but it used to be. It was finished in 1230...inside is this amazing tapestry that is nearly as old. The church was particially destroyed by the Soviets in the bombing of Tallinn.

Lutheran Church of Holy Spirit in Tallinn

Visited May 27, 2012

The Lutheran Church of Holy Spirit in Tallinn was built in the 13th century and is near town square. The clock on the side is a well known landmark in the city.

St Margaret's Lutheran Church in Karuse

Visited May 21, 2012

The last church we visited on our Saaremaa trip was St. Margaret's Lutheran Church in Karuse. By that point, my wife was beginning to feel a bit trapped by the project!

The church was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest in Läänemaa. Otto von Lutterberg, Master of the Livonian Order, was buried there in 1270 after being killed in battle.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hanila

Visited May 21, 2012

This church was completed around the end of the 13th century, and it presumed to have been built by the Livonian Order - though there is a folk legend that it was started by a godly man around the 16th century. Documentary records extend back to 1519.

Again, I couldn't get inside! :(

St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church in Lihula

Visited May 21, 2012

This is another sad case of a church in ruins. St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox in Lihula was consecrated in 1898 and was active until the 1960s, when it was closed.

St Elizabeth's Church in Lihula

Visited May 21, 2012

Lihula is one of the first towns I visited in Estonia after assuming my role as PAO at the Embassy. The town was having a film festival that we had supported as part of the town's 800th year of existence. But I didn't take any church pictures then.

Coming back from our trip to Saaremaa, we stopped in Lihula and found two churches. The first was St Elizabeth's Church in Lihula. The original church in a battle between the German order and a bishop in 1297. A new church was was built and stood until 1874, when it was condemned because if its poor condition. The current building was completed two years later.