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St. Olaf’s Church

St. Olaf’s Church
About

St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kirik) is one of Tallinn’s most storied landmarks, rising dramatically above the Old Town skyline. Believed to have been founded in the 12th century and first mentioned in 1267, it was named after the Norwegian king and saint, Olaf II Haraldsson. During the 16th century, its spire reportedly reached 159 metres, making it the tallest building in the world at the time. The church has endured multiple lightning strikes and fires, yet its current spire still soars to an impressive 123.7 metres, offering panoramic views from its observation platform. Beyond its architectural feats, St. Olaf’s is steeped in legend—most famously the tale of a mysterious builder whose name, once discovered, led to his dramatic fall from the tower. During the Soviet era, the spire was used by the KGB as a surveillance point, adding a layer of Cold War intrigue. Today, the church functions as a Baptist place of worship and remains a powerful symbol of Tallinn’s layered history, resilience, and mythic allure.

Tallinn Estonia
Location

St. Olaf’s Church is located at Lai 50 in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, making it one of the city’s most prominent medieval landmarks. Originally built in the 12th century and dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway, the church is renowned for its soaring Gothic spire, which was once among the tallest in the world and now stands at 124 meters. Visitors can climb 232 steps to reach the 60-meter-high observation platform, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views over Tallinn’s red rooftops, the Old Town, and the Baltic Sea. The church’s central location places it within easy walking distance of Town Hall Square, the bustling Viru Street, St. Catherine’s Passage, and the Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum. The surrounding area is filled with cafés, shops, and historic streets, making St. Olaf’s Church an essential stop for those exploring Tallinn’s medieval heritage and vibrant city life.

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