Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Above you is the so-called “Danish King's Garden.” Tallinn is famous
among Danes as the birthplace of their flag. According to legend, the Danes
were losing a battle here. Suddenly, a white cross fell from heaven and landed
in a pool of blood. The Danes were inspired and went on to win. To this day,
their flag is a white cross on a red background.
• You're standing at the back of Tallinn's onion-domed Russian cathedral.
Circle around to the far side (facing the pink palace) to enjoy a great view of
the church, and to find the entrance.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral:
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was
built here in 1900 smack in Tallinn's political power center and over the sup-
posed grave of a legendary Estonian hero, Kalevipoeg; a statue of Martin
Luther was also taken down to make room. While it's a beautiful building,
its placement was a crass attempt to flex Russian cultural muscle during a
period of Estonian (and German) national revival, and there were plans (later
shelved) to remove it in the 1920s after Estonia became independent. The
church has been exquisitely renovated inside and out. Step inside for a sample
of Russian Orthodoxy. It's OK to visit discreetly during services (daily at
10:00 and 18:00), when you'll hear priests singing the liturgy in a side chapel.
More than 40 percent of Tallinn's population is ethnic Russian (church free
and open daily 8:00-19:00, icon art in gift shop).
