St. Nicholas' Church
St. Nicholas' Church, medieval Tallinn's landmark for merchants and seafarers. A grand church with 20 altars, later became Lutheran. Now a museum and concert hall, preserving its heritage and art.
About this building
St. Nicholas' Church, situated in medieval Tallinn, Estonia, holds a rich history as one of the town's two parish churches and a significant place of worship for merchants and seafarers, dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint. It is believed that the church's foundation dates back to the mid-13th century. Throughout the centuries, the church underwent several expansions and renovations. The original square-shaped 13th-century chancel was later replaced by a new one with a polygonal apse and an ambulatory, giving it a basilica-like appearance. Additional chapels were constructed in the 14th century, contributing to its grandeur and architectural complexity.
During its prime in the 16th century, St. Nicholas' Church was adorned with over 20 side altars and housed valuable works of art, including Bernt Notke's renowned Dance of Death and a magnificent retable from Hermen Rode's workshop. The church's interior boasted a seven-armed brass candelabrum, a remarkable masterpiece nearly four meters tall, showcasing the prosperity and artistic finesse of the Hanseatic era. In the early 1520s, the winds of the Reformation reached Tallinn, and St. Nicholas' Church embraced the Lutheran faith, becoming a Lutheran congregation church. Pews and balconies in the Renaissance style were added, displaying Lutheran pictorial depictions from the Old and New Testaments.
The ravages of the Second World War inflicted severe damage on the church, and many priceless artworks were lost to the bombings and subsequent fire in 1944. Despite the destruction, reconstruction efforts began in 1953, and after almost thirty years of restoration, the church was reopened in 1984, repurposed as a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, serving as both a museum and a concert hall.
Today, St. Nicholas' Church stands as a testament to Tallinn's medieval heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its illustrious past and showcasing surviving artistic treasures from bygone eras. Its transformation into a cultural venue ensures that its historical significance and artistic splendor continue to be cherished by generations to come.
