Old houses and Church of Savior on Blood at horizon, view from colonnade of Saint Isaac Cathedral at evening. Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 19, 2005
Interior of John the Baptist church(?) in Old Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Leningrad Region, Russia, July 23, 2005
John the Baptist church in Old Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Leningrad Region, Russia, July 18, 2004
View of the Old City with domes of the Church of Holy Sepulchre from Mount of Olives. Jerusalem, the Middle East, July 12, 2001
Ruins of Catherine Church from Palace of a duke Maximilian Leikhtenbergsky in Sergievka Park. Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 17, 2019
View of New Old South Church (bottom of the picture), Back Bay and Charles River from Hancock Tower in Boston. Massachusetts, August 3, 1999.
Entrance to Holy Sepulchre (Angels Chapel is seen just behind the entrance) of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Catholicon hall in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Abandoned old house near Mission de Cristo Jesus Church at road 259 in Port Sullivan, west from Hearne. Texas, December 29, 2010
Church of Flagellation in Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, December 13, 2002.
Interior of John the Baptist church in Old Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Leningrad Region, Russia, July 18, 2004
Saint Mary s Church in Old Ursuline Convent. New Orleans, Louisiana, May 14, 2005.
John the Baptist church in Old Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Leningrad Region, Russia, July 23, 2005
Holy Sepulchre (where the body of Jesus was laid after crucifixion) in Rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Now, it faces frequent clashes between tourist groups keeping each other from entering out of turn. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Old Orthodox churches in Kolomenskoe museum. Moscow, Russia, August 30, 2001
Interior of Saint Mary s Church in Old Ursuline Convent. New Orleans, Louisiana, May 14, 2005.
Interior of a church in Old (Staraya) Ladoga. Leningrad Region, Russia, July 23, 2005
Dome of a church in Old (Staraya) Ladoga. Leningrad Region, Russia, July 23, 2005
View of New Old South Church from Hancock Tower in Boston. Massachusetts, August 3, 1999.
An altar (?) of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Western wall of the Chapel of the Sepulchre in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
A chamber in the rock with tombs of J. of Arimathea and Nicodemus in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
View of Old City from Dominus Flevit Church on Mount of Olives. Jerusalem, the Middle East, January 11, 2002
Rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City, before a mass. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
A ladder forgotten on the second floor of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, September 19, 2000
Old City from a window of a small church Dominus Flevit on a slope of Mount of Olives. Jerusalem, the Middle East, October 31, 2002
Northern wall of the Chapel of the Sepulchre in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City with a relief in white marble representing the Saviour rising from the tomb. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
Chapel of the Copts in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
Saint James Armenian Church in Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, June 28, 2001
Burial caves in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, August 5, 2000
Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, February 26, 2000
Stone of Unction (upon which the body of Jesus was anointed) behind the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Dmitry Solunsky church in Old Ladoga Fortress in Staraya Ladoga. Leningrad Region, Russia, July 18, 2004
Catholicon Hall in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
Interior of a recently open church of Uspensky(?) monastery in Old (Staraya) Ladoga. Leningrad Region, Russia, July 23, 2005
An altar (?) of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
The marble tombstone with a cavity on the northern side of the Chapel of the Sepulchre in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
A church in Armenian Quarter of Old City of Jerusalem. The Middle East, September 20, 2000
A statue in Saint Mary s Church in Old Ursuline Convent. New Orleans, Louisiana, May 14, 2005.
Western wall of the Chapel of the Sepulchre in the Church of the Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 28, 2001
Vodnoy Zastavy Street, St. Hyacinth Catholic Church and Clock Tower in Old City. Vyborg, Russia, September 1, 2007
John the Baptist church in Old Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Leningrad Region, Russia, June 4, 2011
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church near Old River Road. Edgard, Louisiana, December 15, 2006
Old Cambridge Baptist Church(?) from Massachusetts Avenue. Boston, Massachusetts, April 19, 2003
Rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
A dove gazing from a capitel of Church of Holy Sepulchre in Old City. Jerusalem, the Middle East, October 7, 2001
In rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City, before a mass. Jerusalem, the Middle East, June 17, 2000
Old Pathway Baptist Church on Alabo Street, corner of North Prieur Street in Lower Ninth Ward. A quotation from bible was replaced by mysterious spray-painted signs of rescue teams. New Orleans, Louisiana, April 29, 2006
Old bell tower of Uusikirkko Church in Poliany near Zelenogorsk (Terijoki) north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, April 1, 2017
Tire Montage Service near Lutheran church at 13 Vyborgskaya Street in old city in Vyborg. Russia, May 24, 2019
Lutheran Church (Viipurin maaseurakunnan kirkko, 1481) at 13 Vyborgskaya Street in old city of Vyborg. Russia, May 24, 2019
Catherine Church in Sergievka Park. Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 17, 2019
Old monument of Russian communist revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin) together with Orthodox Church of St. Peter Afonsky and Dutchess Olga at Military Base No. 28287 in Morye, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 13, 2021
View of St. Nicholas Church from Ruutli 9 in Tallinn old town. Estonia, August 14, 2024
This street scene is located on Pikk Street, just north of the Pikk Jalg gate, looking back towards the city center. The baroque spire visible in the distance belongs to St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste kirik). Originally built in the 13th century and dedicated to the patron saint of merchants and seafarers, it is one of the city s most defining landmarks. The tower now features a glass elevator and viewing platform offering 360-degree views of the Old Town. The building at the corner (implied by the location) is part of the historic Kolmjalg ("Tripod") complex, a notable architectural feature at the junction of Pikk and Voorimehe streets, known for its medieval origins. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from Rataskaevu Street looks directly towards the imposing St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste kirik), creating one of the most picturesque and architecturally significant scenes in Tallinn s Old Town. The dominant feature is the massive tower of St. Nicholas Church, dedicated to the patron saint of merchants and sailors. The church, originally built in the 13th century as a fortress-church, showcases a mix of Gothic and Baroque elements. The current Baroque spire (added in the late 17th century) rises high above the street, while the lower sections reveal the heavy limestone walls typical of medieval defense structures. At the base of the tower, one can see the Small Chapel (Va"ike kabel) and the Clodt Chapel. The smaller, yellow-and-white structure with the arched entrance (left foreground) is the Chapel of St. Matthew (later St. George), adding a touch of color and intricate detail to the otherwise austere stone facade. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This panoramic view from the newly opened viewing platform of St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste kirik) offers a perspective over Tallinn s Old Town. The prominent spire on the right is St. Olaf s Church (Oleviste kirik), once the tallest building in the world (1549-1625). Its commanding height makes it a key reference point in the city skyline. The sea of red-tiled roofs is a signature feature of Tallinn, interspersed with historic merchant houses and courtyards. In the middle distance, you can spot sections of the medieval city wall and defensive towers (like the ones near the Nunne gate area) that still encircle much of the lower town. In the background, the view stretches out to the Gulf of Finland, highlighting Tallinn s historic role as a major Hanseatic port city connecting trade between East and West. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste kirik) viewing platform offers a detailed look at the dense, red-roofed tapestry of Tallinn s Old Town, looking north towards the harbor. Dominating the skyline on the right is the spire of St. Olaf s Church (Oleviste kirik), which historically served as a navigational landmark for ships. Its green copper spire contrasts sharply with the surrounding red clay tiles. Looking directly down into the "canyon" of streets, one can trace Rataskaevu Street winding through the heart of the lower town. The prominent yellow building in the foreground (with the red roof and dormer windows) is likely part of the historic housing blocks near Rataskaevu and Ru"u"tli streets. Its bright facade stands out against the more muted tones of the neighboring structures. The view captures the intricate layers of the city s architecture--chimneys, dormer windows, and varying roof pitches that reveal the organic growth of the medieval city over centuries. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church tower looks down into the heart of the lower town, specifically capturing the densely packed historic streets below. Ru"u"tli and Rataskaevu Streets: The view likely centers on the intersection or alignment of Ru"u"tli (Knight) and Rataskaevu streets, which run close to the church. These streets are characterized by their medieval layout and historic merchant houses. The prominent yellow building with the red roof in the foreground (bottom center) stands out with its orderly rows of windows and distinct dormers. This is typical of the 18th and 19th-century residential architecture found in this part of the Old Town, often housing guest apartments today. The image perfectly illustrates the "red roofscape" of Tallinn, with various shades of terracotta tiles covering the gabled roofs. You can see the complex interplay of courtyards, chimneys, and firewalls that define the city s historic urban fabric. St. Olaf s in Distance: In the upper right corner, the spire of St. Olaf s Church pierces the skyline, providing a vertical counterpoint to the horizontal spread of the lower town. The view extends to the gray waters of the bay in the background, reinforcing the city s coastal setting. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church tower looks south-east, contrasting the medieval Old Town with the modern business district in the background. The large, L-shaped building with the dark gray roof in the center-right is the Writers House (Kirjanike Maja) on Harju Street. Completed in 1963, this Soviet-era modernist building stands out among the older red-roofed structures. It was built on the ruins of buildings destroyed in the 1944 March bombing and remains a cultural hub, housing the Estonian Writers Union and a famous bookstore. In the distance, the sleek glass high-rises of Tallinn s modern city center dominate the horizon. Key skyscrapers include the Swisso^tel Tallinn and the twin towers of the Tornima"e complex, symbolizing the city s rapid economic development since regaining independence. The open area visible to the right, just beyond the dense red roofs, is Freedom Square (Vabaduse va"ljak). Although partially obscured, this major public plaza marks the southern edge of the Old Town and is home to the Victory Column of the War of Independence. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the tower of St. Nicholas Church offers a fascinating contrast between medieval history, post-war reconstruction, and modern urban growth, looking east towards the city center. The most prominent building in the immediate foreground is the large, grey, L-shaped structure known as the Writers House (Kirjanike Maja) on Harju Street. Built in 1963 on the ruins of buildings destroyed during the 1944 Soviet bombing of Tallinn, this modernist structure is a significant cultural landmark. It houses the Estonian Writers Union, a well-known bookstore, and the famous Cafe Pegasus, serving as a hub for the country s literary scene. The street running along the left side of the Writers House is Harju Street, historically one of the city s main commercial arteries. The open green space visible nearby (part of the Harju Street green area) was also created following the wartime destruction, serving as a memorial and recreational space before partial reconstruction debates in recent years. In the background, the view opens up to Tallinn s modern business district. The cluster of high-rise glass buildings, including the distinct wedge-shaped Swisso^tel and the SEB Bank headquarters, illustrates the city s rapid economic development and stands in stark contrast to the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town below. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church tower focuses on the southwestern edge of the Old Town, dominated by medieval fortifications and the lush greenery of Toompea s slopes. The massive round tower on the right is Kiek in de Ko"k ("Peep into the Kitchen"), a 15th-century artillery tower. Its formidable stone walls, over 4 meters thick, were designed to withstand cannon fire, making it the most powerful defensive tower in the Baltic region during its time. Today, it houses a fortification museum. Below the tower, the cobblestone street running vertically is Ru"u"tli Street, historically home to the city s executioner and later a quiet residential area. To the left of Ru"u"tli Street, the large building with the expansive red-tiled roof is the Swedish St. Michael s Church (Rootsi-Mihkli kirik). Originally a medieval hospital and poorhouse, it was converted into a church for the Swedish garrison and community. Its simple, robust architecture contrasts with the more ornate merchant houses found elsewhere in the Old Town. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This perspective from the St. Nicholas Church tower looks south-west towards Toompea Hill, highlighting the architectural contrast between the medieval fortifications and the 19th-century Russian influence. The dominant feature is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a grand Russian Orthodox church built between 1894 and 1900. Its distinctive black onion domes and Russian Revival style stand out vividly against the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town. This location on Toompea Hill was chosen symbolically to face the governor s palace, representing the power of the Russian Empire at the time. In the foreground, you can see part of the city s defensive wall system. The limestone wall connecting the Maiden Tower to the other fortifications (like the Kiek in de Ko"k, just out of frame to the left) marks the historic boundary between the lower town and the upper citadel of Toompea. Estonia, October 16, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste) tower looks down towards the dense medieval streets of the lower town, offering a detailed perspective of the residential architecture and rooftops. The narrow, curved street cutting through the scene is Rataskaevu Street, one of the most picturesque lanes in the Old Town. Yellow Building: The prominent, multi-story yellow building in the foreground (with the large red-tiled roof and dormer windows) is likely situated on or near Rataskaevu Street. Buildings in this area often date from the 18th or 19th centuries and now frequently house guest apartments, such as the Rataskaevu Boutique Apartments or Rataskaevu Guest Apartment. Its bright facade and orderly fenestration are typical of the later updates to the medieval fabric. The image showcases the iconic "sea of red roofs" that defines Tallinn s aerial aesthetic. The jumble of gables, chimneys, and varying roof pitches reveals the organic development of the city over centuries. In the background, the spire of St. Olaf s Church (Oleviste kirik) rises above the horizon, providing a vertical anchor to the cityscape and connecting the view to the harbor beyond. Estonia, October 16, 2025
Vene Street (Vene ta"nav), one of the most historic and culturally significant streets in Tallinn s Old Town. The creamy yellow building on the right (Vene 17) is the main branch of the Tallinn City Museum (Tallinna Linnamuuseum). It is housed in a medieval merchant s home that dates back to the 14th century, offering visitors a deep dive into the city s history from prehistory to the 20th century. The name Vene means "Russian" in Estonian. The street was historically the center of the Russian merchant community and housed the trade yards and churches of Russian traders, dating back to the 12th century. The streetscape here is an example of Tallinn s Hanseatic architecture. The museum building itself was formed by combining a Gothic merchant house with two granaries, creating the structure seen today. One can also see the distinctive "hoist beam" and cargo hatch on the facade, used for lifting goods into storage. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A vibrant intersection in Tallinn s Old Town where Pikk Street meets Pu"havaimu Street. The white building with the stepped gable and tall, slender spire on the right is the Church of the Holy Spirit (Pu"havaimu kirik). It is a 14th-century church that originally served the common people. A prominent feature on the church s white facade is the magnificent painted clock. Created by the woodcarver Christian Ackermann in 1684, it is the oldest public timepiece in Tallinn and is still in working order. The yellow building on the left (Pikk 16) is the famous Maiasmokk Cafe. Operating since 1864, it is the oldest continuously running cafe in Estonia. The ground floor features a beautifully preserved interior that has remained largely unchanged for nearly a century. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
St. Nicholas Church (Niguliste kirik), located at Niguliste 3 in Tallinn s Old Town. Although originally built as a fortress church in the 13th century dedicated to Saint Nicholas (patron of sailors and merchants), it is no longer a functioning place of worship. Today, it houses the Niguliste Museum, a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, dedicated to medieval ecclesiastical art. The church was founded by Westphalian merchants in the 1230s and was one of the wealthiest in the city. It was heavily damaged during the Soviet bombing of Tallinn in March 1944, losing its roof and most of its interior, but was meticulously restored in the following decades. The tower, rebuilt with a Baroque spire, now features a glass elevator and a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city. The church sits on a rise just south of the Town Hall Square, surrounded by a green area that was once a cemetery. The street in the foreground is Niguliste Street, leading up from the lower town. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Vana turg (Old Market) square, a historic intersection where several streets meet. The white building on the right with the prominent hoist beam and red sack is the Peppersack restaurant (Vana turg 6). It is a well-known medieval-themed venue located in a 14th-century merchant s house. The large, pinkish building on the left (at the corner of Suur-Karja and Kuninga) is the Bishop s House (Piiskopi maja). It stands on the site of the medieval residence of the bishops of Tallinn. The current facade is later, but the core of the building is ancient, and it has historically housed the Consistory of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Just out of frame or partially visible (depending on the exact angle, as it is adjacent to Peppersack), this area is also home to Olde Hansa, another famous medieval restaurant housed in a historic warehouse. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A view along Lai Street (Lai ta"nav) in the Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia, looking towards the iconic St. Olaf s Church. The dominant spire in the background belongs to St. Olaf s Church. This Gothic church was once the tallest building in the world (from 1549 to 1625), and its 124-meter spire remains a defining feature of the Tallinn skyline. As the name suggests, this is one of the wider medieval thoroughfares in the city, running parallel to the busier Pikk ("Long") Street. Historically, it was a prestigious residential area for wealthy merchants and artisans. The street is lined with well-preserved medieval merchant houses. The buildings on the right likely include or are near the famous "Three Brothers" complex (Lai 38, 40, and 42), a group of medieval gabled houses similar to the "Three Sisters" on Pikk Street. The building with the warm light in the window (foreground right) exemplifies the historic limestone architecture characteristic of the Hanseatic era. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Lai Street in the Old Town. The row of gabled buildings on the right is known as the "Three Brothers". These medieval merchant houses are less famous than the "Three Sisters" on Pikk Street but are equally historically significant. The white facade in the immediate foreground (right) features a neo-Gothic or historicist style, likely dating from a later renovation (potentially 19th or early 20th century) that unified earlier medieval structures. One can clearly see the transition from the plastered, light-colored facade in the foreground to the simpler, pastel-yellow medieval warehouse-style building next to it. These buildings often retain their original "diele-dornse" layout (a large front room for business and living quarters behind). The perspective highlights the massive scale of St. Olaf s Church (Oleviste kirik) at the end of the street (Lai 50). The tower s copper spire, weathered to green, creates a striking contrast with the red tile roofs and the autumn foliage on the left. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Intersection on Pikk Street (at Pikk 17), looking towards the Town Hall Square area. The view is dominated by two historically significant buildings and a lively restaurant scene. The large, gabled building on the right (Pikk 17) is the Great Guild Hall, built in 1417. For centuries, this was the meeting place for the city s most powerful merchants (the Great Guild), who controlled the town council. The building is a masterpiece of medieval limestone architecture, featuring a prominent Gothic portal and a high saddle roof. Today, it houses the Estonian History Museum. The smaller archway next to it (right foreground) is a historic passage, the "Bo"rsi ka"ik" (Exchange Passage), leading towards the Holy Spirit Church. Though partially obscured, the building further down the street with the stepped gable is connected to the complex of the Church of the Holy Spirit. This church is famous for its 17th-century painted clock, the oldest in Tallinn, which faces Pikk Street (though not clearly visible from this specific angle). This section of Pikk Street is a major pedestrian artery, connecting the northern part of the Old Town (where St. Olaf s is) to the central Town Hall Square. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Intersection of Pikk Street and Pikk jalg (Long Leg) Street, one of the most historically significant spots in Tallinn, marking the boundary between the Lower Town and the Upper Town (Toompea). The massive white tower on the right is the Long Leg Gate Tower, built in the 14th century (c. 1380). It served as the primary fortified gateway connecting the merchant Lower Town to the aristocratic Upper Town. Historically, this gate was locked at night to separate the two distinct social classes. The street rising steeply through the gate arch is Pikk jalg. Its name distinguishes it from the parallel "Short Leg" (Lu"hike jalg), which is a pedestrian-only staircase.:200b The clock attached to the wall on the far right (though partially cut off) is not the famous Holy Spirit Church clock but a decorative element often associated with the Krause Pharmacy building or nearby shops in this tourist-heavy zone. The pink building on the left corner (housing "Krause" and "Eesti Ka"sito"o"" shops) is a classic example of Old Town architecture, with its chamfered corner entrance and large shop windows. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Aerial view of Tallinn. The heart of the image is the medieval Old Town, identifiable by its dense cluster of red-tiled roofs, church spires (including the tall St. Olaf s Church), and the fortified Toompea Hill. Surrounding the Old Town are the modern high-rises of the financial district (left foreground), including the Swisso^tel and Tornima"e towers. To the right, the Port of Tallinn (Vanasadam) stretches out into the Baltic Sea, with ferries and cruise ships visible. The sweeping coastline of the Tallinn Bay dominates the background. The clear blue sky and the calm sea suggest a crisp, sunny morning. View from a window of an airplane from Tallinn to Helsinki. Estonia, October 17, 2025
