Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at Dawn

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the main landmarks on Toompea Hill in the Upper Town of Tallinn. Built between 1894 and 1900, when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, the cathedral was designed in the Russian Revival style, featuring iconic onion domes and richly decorated interiors. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, a Russian hero and saint. The cathedral was originally constructed as a symbol of Russian dominance and Orthodox Christianity, making it controversial among Estonians, especially during the early years of independence. This sentiment has resurfaced with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as many people in the Baltic countries strongly support Ukraine. During our conversations, many locals expressed that the Ukrainian people are fighting not just for themselves, but for all of us. There is little love lost between the majority of Estonian people and Russia today. Despite this, the Russian cathedral remains one of Tallinn's key landmarks - Tallinn, Estonia