Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Orthodox cathedral on Toompea Hill in central Tallinn, Estonia, constructed in the late 19th century (1894-1900). It was built in the Russian Revival style during the period of Russian imperial administration of the city.

The cathedral is notable for its onion domes, richly decorated interior and large iconostasis; the interior contains icons, painted surfaces and ornamental detailing typical of Orthodox churches. It is a prominent architectural landmark visible from several points around Tallinn’s Old Town and Toompea.

Commissioned and built under the Russian Empire, the church was designed by architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky and completed around 1900 as part of imperial building projects in the Baltic provinces. The cathedral has remained a functioning Orthodox church through the 20th and 21st centuries and has been the subject of conservation work.

It stands on Toompea Hill in the heart of Tallinn, immediately adjacent to the medieval Old Town and within walking distance of the city’s main squares and administrative buildings.

• Viewing point: The cathedral sits on Toompea Hill and is a short walk from Tallinn's Old Town, making the hilltop viewing areas useful for photographing the exterior domes and skyline.
• Construction dates: Built during 1894-1900 in the Russian Empire period, the building is a key example of Russian Revival architecture in Estonia.