The iconostasis of the orthodox church in Narva
Narva is a border town and is where you cross into Russia, it's entirely possible to spend a short time in St Petersburg which is not far away but you need to do some advance planning for visas, invitations etc.
The city was destroyed during WW2 and the rebuilding was in the Russian style - ie bleak. More than 90% of the population are Russian speaking (over 80% are ethnic Russians) and the place had a very Russian feel to it and unlike anywhere else we visited in Estonia.
There are three main things to see:
The Orthodox Church where, unusually we were allowed to take photos inside.
The castle which was built by the Danes in the 13th Century and which is on the Narva River and faces a similar castle on the Russian side, the Ivangorod fortress.
Alexander's Cathedral which was built for in the 19th century for dthe Lutheran workers of the nearby Kreenholm factory. This church was badly damaged during the war an its exterior has been refurbished and a new tower constructed but inside it is still damaged although its accoustics are such that it is used as a musical venue. The good thing about the new tower is that there is a lift so getting to the top is painless and the views are great.
The city was destroyed during WW2 and the rebuilding was in the Russian style - ie bleak. More than 90% of the population are Russian speaking (over 80% are ethnic Russians) and the place had a very Russian feel to it and unlike anywhere else we visited in Estonia.
There are three main things to see:
The Orthodox Church where, unusually we were allowed to take photos inside.
The castle which was built by the Danes in the 13th Century and which is on the Narva River and faces a similar castle on the Russian side, the Ivangorod fortress.
Alexander's Cathedral which was built for in the 19th century for dthe Lutheran workers of the nearby Kreenholm factory. This church was badly damaged during the war an its exterior has been refurbished and a new tower constructed but inside it is still damaged although its accoustics are such that it is used as a musical venue. The good thing about the new tower is that there is a lift so getting to the top is painless and the views are great.
Narva Castle
Alexander's cathedral - you can still see war damage
the damaged roof of the cathedral
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