Page 70 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

68 EST ONIA REGION B Y REGION

6 Niguliste Church
Niguliste kirik
Dedicated to St Nicholas, Niguliste Church was originally built
in the 13th century, although nearly all that remains today is
from the 15th century. Most of Tallinn’s medieval artworks
were destroyed in the Reformation riots of 1524. However,
according to legend, Niguliste Church escaped being
ransacked due to the laudable efforts of the church warden,
who sealed the door with melted lead. Today, Tallinn’s most
impressive collection of medieval religious artworks are
housed here. The building has served as a museum ever since
it was extensively rebuilt during Soviet times after being
damaged by Soviet air raids in World War II. The church
regularly holds organ and choral concerts. Exterior of the Niguliste Church, one of
Tallinn’s medieval treasures

. Altarpiece Depicting St Nicholas
Painted in 1482 by Hermen Rode of
Lübeck, this superbly detailed
altarpiece shows a variety of scenes
from the life of St Nicholas, as well as
the beheading of St George.

Altar Triptych of
St Mary and
the Brotherhood
of Blackheads
The main panel
shows St George
and St Maurice
standing beside
the Madonna, while
St Francis and
St Gertrude stand
in the wings.

KEY
1 The Silver Chamber is located in
the far corner of the church.
2 A collection of bells from
churches all over Estonia is displayed
inside the church.
3 The spire, originally built in 1696,
was finally restored in 1984.
Stone Figure
4 Bernt Notke’s frieze Danse This sculpture is one of
Macabre, which is kept inside the the wonder fully evocative
church, depicts the universality stone figures that are part
of death. of the original design of
Niguliste Church. Entrance
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp296–7 and pp314–16