St. Mary Cathedral
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St. Mary's Cathedral, located on a Toompea Hill is the main Estonian Lutheran church. The first church at this place was probably built before 1219, but wooden construction was replaced by a stone one only in 1230s.
Not much remain from that first church, during years 1330-1430 the building was extended to its nowadays shape. Only the tower spire was changed in 18th century, and it's the newest part of the church.
As a church connected mainly with nobles, St. Mary's Cathedral is filled with tombstones and coats of arms. The most beautiful is sarcophagi of Pontus de la Gardie, crucial Swedish commander who died in 16th century. His sarcophagi is a masterpiece of renaissance sculpture. Among Russian and Swedish soldiers and buried in a cathedral, there lies also Otto Johann Thuve, who was called „Tallinn's Don Juan”. His last wish was burying close to entrance, as people who are entering the church, may pray for his sins.
The tower of the church is open for visitors, who may admire perfect view of all Tallinn Old Town.
