The church erected in 1896–1897 on the site of the old graveyard in Haapsalu was dedicated to Alexander Nevsky. A Moscow style tent roof crowned with a small onion dome and a vestibule with a belfry were added according to the project by architect A. F. Krassovsky from St. Petersburg.
The original iconostasis based on the drawings by academician Šaub is now at the orthodox church in Kiviõli, where it was transferred in 1962 after the church was closed.
The church was used as a venue for funerals all year round. A stove was built in the church in the middle of the 20th century and then it was used as the winter church. At the moment the Haapsalu Mary Magdalene (Alexander Nevsky) parish of the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate uses the church.
Haapsalu Castle is an architectural gem built in the 13th century that was the seat of power of the local authorities until the end of the 17th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Estonia and home to the most famous ghost in Estonia – the White Lady!
There is a museum on medieval history in the main castle, through which you can also access the southern cathedral, first mentioned in writing in 1279. There is a children’s playground inspired by the Middle Ages in the moat.
You can visit the courtyard for free, but you have to buy a ticket to get to the museum.
Olev’s Church in Nõva originating from the 18th century is a cosy wooden beach-chapel-style church. The unique parchment images on its windows look like real stained glass at first glance. It is one of the few wooden churches preserved in Estonia, and also one of the smallest, measuring at only 13.6 x 7.1 metres.
When walking around in the churchyard, take a closer look at the iron crosses there. The crosses made by local blacksmiths are all unique – even the landlady von Ungern-Sternberg of Nõva Manor made herself her own cross. Interesting facts: When inside, take a look at the benches – benches for men and women have a different design. On top of the roof, there is a figure of a rooster. The organ was built by G.Terkmann.
Haapsalu Art School Galleries offer diverse exhibitions of works by its pupils and other artists. There are new exhibitions every 3–4 weeks. There are three different types of galleries: the house, yard, and cellar gallery. The house gallery is open year-round, the yard gallery opens in April, and the cellar gallery can be visited from May.
