Church of the Holy Spirit in Tallinn
The 14th-century Holy Spirit Church is a spectacular structure inside and out, from its wood interior to elaborate façade clock.
This radiantly white church with its distinctive octagonal tower stands just off Town Hall Square.
The elaborate painted clock on its façade is Tallinn's oldest public timepiece, dating to the late 17th century. But don't miss the carved wood interior which includes such treasures as a unique 15th century altar by the famous Lübeck artist Bernt Notke, and one of the oldest pulpits in Estonia, dating to 1597.
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. After the Reformation, it was here the first sermons were ever given in the Estonian language (as opposed to German), and a catechism published in 1535 by the church's pastor Johann Koell is thought to be the first book in Estonian.
Entrance is free with Tallinn Card.
TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews
tripadvisor rating 4.5 of 5
based on 489 reviews
Just stunning church
tripadvisor rating 5 of 5What an amazing place. The old painted clock on the outside is incredible. The interiors take the brreathe away. it is not a large chuch but the carvings and paintings inside can match any museum... Read more comments
Solitude: a memorable experience at the first church to hold services in the Estonian language.
tripadvisor rating 4 of 5While there are several other churches in the Old Town that appear front-and-center in most guide books, this building with a plain, white washed exterior is a deceptive gem. I unknowingly passed by... Read more comments
Lovely church with painted gallery!
tripadvisor rating 5 of 5Wonderful church with a painted gallery that tell so many of the Bible stories! It was the end of the season so they were out of English language literature, but the painted gallery was amazing... Read more comments
