St. John's Church, Tallinn

Name: St. John's Church
Address: 1 Vabaduse väljak, Tallinn, Estonia

#36 among attractions in Tallinn

Church, Gothic Revival architecture

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Facts and practical information

St. John's Church, nestled in the heart of Tallinn's bustling city center, stands as a beacon of medieval architecture and religious history. This sacred structure, with its origins dating back to the 13th century, embodies the spiritual heritage of Estonia's capital.

Constructed primarily in the Gothic style, St. John's Church, or Jaani kirik in Estonian, is renowned for its striking red-brick facade and ornate interior. The church was built to serve the burgeoning Hanseatic League town of Tallinn, catering to the spiritual needs of its growing population.

The church's most notable feature is its intricately carved stone terracotta sculptures, which are considered some of the finest examples of medieval art in Northern Europe. These sculptures, adorning the chapel's walls, depict various religious scenes and figures, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the era.

St. John's Church has endured through the centuries, surviving the tumultuous periods of war and occupation that have swept through Estonia. Despite these challenges, the church has remained an active place of worship and a symbol of resilience for the local community.

Today, St. John's Church continues to serve as a place of solace and reflection for both locals and visitors. It is not only a site for regular religious services but also a venue for concerts, owing to its excellent acoustics and historic ambiance.

Local name: Tallinna Jaani kirik Architectural style: Gothic revivalCoordinates: 59°26'1"N, 24°44'43"E

Address

1 Vabaduse väljakKesklinn (Vanalinn)Tallinn Estonia

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Tallinn

Day trips

St. John's Church – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: City Hall, Danish King's Garden, Museum of Occupations, War of Independence Victory Column.

~1200 ftN
City hall, Gothic architecture, Architecture
City Hall, Tallinn
6 min walk • Tallinn's City Hall, an architectural jewel in the heart of Estonia's capital, is the only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe and a testament to Tallinn's rich medieval history. Built in the 13th century and completed in its current form in the early 15th...
~1050 ftNW
Park, Garden, View point
Danish King's Garden, Tallinn
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the Danish King's Garden (Taani Kuninga Aed) is an oasis of tranquility and a window into Estonia's rich history. This serene park, hidden behind ancient walls and accessible through narrow cobbled streets, is...
~1180 ftW
Museum documenting German and Soviet rule
Museum of Occupations, Tallinn
6 min walk • The Museum of Occupations in Tallinn, Estonia, stands as a poignant testament to the country's turbulent 20th-century history. This museum delves into the periods of Soviet and Nazi occupation that Estonia endured from 1940 to 1991.
~440 ftW
Modern monument to Estonian independence
War of Independence Victory Column, Tallinn
3 min walk • The War of Independence Victory Column stands as a proud memorial in the heart of Tallinn, Estonia, commemorating the country's struggle and triumph in the War of Independence. Erected in Freedom Square, this striking monument reaches skyward, symbolizing Estonia's...
~940 ftNW
Art museum in a restored medieval church
St. Nicholas Church, Tallinn
5 min walk • St. Nicholas Church, a stunning example of medieval architecture, stands as a historic beacon in the heart of Tallinn, Estonia. This sacred edifice, originally built in the 13th century, was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron of sailors and fishermen.
~1210 ftN
Shopping, Christmas market, Market
Jõuluturg, Tallinn
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the Jõuluturg, or Christmas Market, is a festive wonder that transforms the historic Town Hall Square into a winter wonderland each year. As the chill of winter settles over Estonia, the market emerges as a beacon...
~960 ftN
Museum
Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood, Tallinn
5 min walk • The Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood is a private museum of history and culture in Tallinn, Estonia. The main focus of the museum is the history of orders of knighthood and merit from all over the world.
~750 ftW
Park
Harjumägi, Tallinn
4 min walk • Harjumägi is a park in Tallinn, Estonia. The park is located on the Ingrian Bastion. Ingrian Bastion was built in 1690s. In 1861–1862, the Ingrian Bastion was changed to the park. At the same time, the Mayer's Stairs were built. Since 1959, the park is taken under protection.
~480 ftNE
Museum
Chocolala Chocolate Museum, Tallinn
3 min walk • Chocolala Chocolate Museum is a specialty museum dedicated to the history of the Estonian chocolate industry. It is located in the Tallinn Old Town district near Freedom Square, Tallinn, Estonia.
~1130 ftN
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Tallinn Legends, Tallinn
6 min walk • Tallinn Legends - is a tourist attraction in a form of theatrical and interactive museum in Tallinn, Estonia. The museum recreates historical events and legends that have contributed to the folklore of medieval Tallinn.
~400 ftN
Museum, Specialty museum
Estonian Theatre and Music Museum, Tallinn
2 min walk • Estonian Theatre and Music Museum is a national museum located in the old town of Tallinn, Estonia. The museum was established in 1924.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to St. John's Church?

Nearby attractions include Freedom Square, Tallinn (2 min walk), Tallinn Art Hall, Tallinn (2 min walk), Klubi Teater, Tallinn (2 min walk), Estonian Theatre and Music Museum, Tallinn (2 min walk).

How to get to St. John's Church by public transport?

The nearest stations to St. John's Church:

Bus

Vabaduse väljak • Lines: 108, 11E, 129, 14E, 16, 17, 17A, 18, 18A, 20, 20A, 21, 21B, 22, 23, 24, 24A, 36, 40, 41, 41B, 42, 46E, 48, 5, 73, 9E (5 min walk)

Tram

Vabaduse väljak • Lines: 3, 4 (2 min walk)
Viru • Lines: 3, 4 (7 min walk)

Trolleybus

Vabaduse väljak • Lines: T1, T3 (2 min walk)
Tõnismägi • Lines: T1, T3 (9 min walk)

Light rail

Tallinn Baltic station • Lines: Elron Aegviidu --> Tallinn, Elron Kloogaranna --> Tallinn, Elron Paldiski --> Tallinn, Elron Riisipere --> Tallinn, Elron Tallinn --> Aegviidu, Elron Tallinn --> Kloogaranna, Elron Tallinn --> Paldiski, Elron Tallinn --> Riisipere (14 min walk)
Lilleküla • Lines: Elron Kloogaranna --> Tallinn, Elron Paldiski --> Tallinn, Elron Riisipere --> Tallinn, Elron Tallinn --> Kloogaranna, Elron Tallinn --> Paldiski, Elron Tallinn --> Riisipere (22 min walk)

Ferry

Tallinn • Lines: Tallink (29 min walk)