|
The early 13th century Dome Church is the crown jewel of Toompea. A wooden church was erected here after the Danes conquered Tallinn in 1219. lt is believed the stone church was begun after the Dominicans arrived in 1229. They were forced to leave due to political intrigue; the sectarian church was turned into a Dome Church and consecrated to the Virgin Mary by Valdemar II in 1240. In the 14th century, the modest structure was expanded.ln the 15th century, the church became a Gothic basilica, which received a baroque tower in the 18th century.
The interior is simple and spare and typical of northern European churches. Heavily damaged in the 1684 Toompea fire, today it contains an outstanding collection of heraldry, mainly from Baltic German nobles, including more than 100 wooden coats of arms.
|
Partly the work of celebrated 17th century artisan Christian Ackermann, the shields bear witness to Baltic German history in Estonia.The Dome Church was the head church of the Estonian knights.
|
|
