Attractions & museums

Church of the Holy Spirit in Tallinn

The Church of the Holy Spirit was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Tallinn. The church has a wooden interior and a distinctive octagonal tower.

The church façade is decorated with a clock made in the 17th century by Christian Ackermann. Among the greatest treasures of the church interior are the unique cabinet altar from the 14th century by Bernt Notke, the pulpit built in 1597, and the “Picture Bible” located on the galleries.

In the Middle Ages, the Church of the Holy Spirit was the main place of worship for common people. After the Reformation, the first sermons in Estonian were held here, and the catechism published in 1535 by the church’s pastor Johann Koell is considered the first book printed in Estonian. The first clergyman to speak Estonian in the Church of the Holy Spirit was Balthasar Russow.

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TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.4 of 5

based on 512 reviews

  • Very old church

    tripadvisor rating 3 of 5
    January 17, 2026 By zuv

    A not very big church, very old (beginning of the 14th century), interesting. The architecture is somehow special, with massive columns located on the central axis of the church and arched vaults... Read more comments

  • Significant Church in Tallinn

    tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
    November 20, 2025 By deanosaur89

    This Church is not popular when compared to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olav's Church or St Mary's Cathedral but is historically significant. It dates back to the 1300s and was the first church... Read more comments

  • highly recommend

    tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
    August 24, 2025 By Perry G

    Lovely little church with its wooden interior and old clock near the front door. Highly recommend a visit and it is just off the main square.