French writer, translator, and diplomat Jean Cathala once said that the architecture of St. Olaf’s Baptist Church in Tallinn embodies Gothic in its purest form. It doesn’t attract the eye with the intricate lacework of stone decorations but with simplicity, grace, and grandeur. Nevertheless, the austere and laconic building is one of the most unique shrines in Estonia. It is enough to see its exterior and learn its history to be convinced of the worldly truth: genius is simplicity!

The history of St. Olaf’s Church dates back to the later 13th century. However, the building that decorates Tallinn today appeared in the 16th century, and it has undergone many alterations until now.

The temple has gone through numerous redesigns, extensions, and restorations. If you compile all the records about its reconstructions, you will get a whole encyclopedia! At the best of times, the church walls were decorated with 25 magnificent altars and a 159-meter majestic steeple piercing the sky, making it the tallest building in the world. By the way, it was the latter that played a fatal role in the further history of the shrine. Because the steeple’s spire became a favorite place for thunder strokes, the building burned time and again. In the 19th century, its height was reduced to 124 meters, thus saving the structure from further recurrent destruction by fire.

Today, there is an observation deck in the church steeple at the height of 60 meters. From there opens one of the best 360-degree views of Tallinn. To enjoy it, you have to climb 258 steps. But it’s well worth it!

The centerpiece of the interior decoration of the temple is its stellar apses, creating an intricate geometric pattern. The decor of St. Mary’s Chapel, which you can find in the eastern part of the church, is no less beautiful. However, the most valuable relic of the shrine is the altar and, behind it, the bas-relief of St. Olaf, the Norwegian king in whose honor the ancient church was consecrated.