Alexander Church, Narva, Estonia

Narva Alexander's Cathedral is the biggest church in Estonia. The project of the church was drawn by Otto Pius von Hippius and it was built between 1881 – 1884. The plot of land for the church was a gift from Georg v. Kramer, the owner of Joala mansion. The owner of the Krenholm Manufacture paid the building expenses and the church was built to accommodate 5000 workers of Krenholm Manufacture and had 2500 seats.

Church was built in Romanesque style. The height of the main building is 25,5 m and the belfry in the western part of the church was 60,75 m high. The organ with 30 stops was built in Walcker factory in Germany.

On the 6th of March 1944 the soviet army bombed Narva, damaging the roof of the church. On the 24th of July on 1944 the tower was destroyed, allegedly by the leaving German army.

The divine services were held in this church until 1962, when the soviet authorities forced the congregation to leave The church was converted into a storehouse. In 1990 the Cathdral was returned to the congregation and now the restoration works are lead by Villu Jürjo, the present minister of the church.

Reference: Narvakirik.ee

User Reviews

Alexander Wagon (3 years ago)
An amazing church with an incredible architecture. The tower is well preserved and contains an interesting exhibition. The main part of the church, unfortunately, is in decay and there does not seem to be enough money to restore it. Actually, I visited it more than 10 years ago and back then it was still more or less safe to visit the sitting areas. Now it is not.

Matis Rodin (4 years ago)
Grand building, that is almost in ruins after the neglect during Soviet rule. The church was built for 5000 people and the present size of the congregation is 70 people. The tower was reconstructed in 2008, and since then the building is beautifully lit after dark.

Helen V (5 years ago)
ℹ️ 3€ tower + museum; 2€ video installation. Cash only! ? This was my favourite tourist spot in Narva. ? Video installation was something that I did not expect in a church and it looked amazing. Museum was quite interesting too, even though it's small - about 30-60 min to see everything. The church itself was built in 1881-1884, but unfortunately it was totally destroyed during the WWII.

Ivan Spirydonau (5 years ago)
Great place to find the links for your family heritage. I should be thankful to the lady who was inside when I've entered a lot. She provided me with so much relevant information about my Estonian ancestors who were born and lived in Narva, but also supplied me with leads on how to reach people in Narva who might have provided further information. This place preserves the Holy Spirit. My great-grandfather was baptized there. The picture (from the original church book) attached depicts the local priest who served in the church and later relocated to Australia.

Klemet- Gustav Tamm (5 years ago)
The lights installation was interesting and view nice from the top. The keeper was very friendly and helpful.

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