Top 10 attractions in Narva, Estonia

The easternmost city of Estonia, separated from Russia only by the river of the same name. For 7 centuries, several large empires fought for the right to possess Narva. Therefore, a powerful fortress with bastions was erected on the river bank, which to this day remains the main attraction and indestructible stronghold of the city. Together with the town hall building, they are a vivid example of medieval architecture. These are the only surviving buildings of ancient times.

The architecture of the 19th century is represented by the large Krenholm industrial complex, as well as the majestic cathedrals - Alexander and the Resurrection of Christ. Unfortunately, during the war years, the historical part of Narva was almost completely destroyed, and it was not possible to restore it again. Therefore, most of the city buildings belong to the second half of the 20th century.

What to see and where to go in Narva?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Narva Castle

It rises above the Narva River, opposite the Russian Ivangorod fortress. It was built in the XIV-XVI centuries. Area - 3.2 hectares. A powerful bastion and the main symbol of Narva. Survived many wars, but survived to this day. Today, the city museum is open here. Concerts and conferences are held in the Knights' and Refectory Halls. In summer, the Northern Yard is open - a reconstruction of a medieval city with craft workshops. An observation deck is equipped on the 50-meter Long Herman Tower.

Narva promenade

A section of the embankment along the river, in the historic center of the city, is one of the favorite recreation areas for tourists and local residents. The length is about 1 km. Located near the border with Russia. Lined with paving stones, reinforced with huge boulders. The most interesting objects are the Sunny Playground with a cafe, a fountain and a sundial, the Swedish Terrace with attractions, and the Dahlberg stage. Various festivals and concert programs are regularly held here.

Narva Town Hall

The three-storey building with a hipped roof was erected in 1671 at the initiative of the King of Sweden. Made in the style of Dutch classicism. The building is complemented by an elegant openwork tower, on the spire of which a weather vane in the form of a crane is fixed. There is a clock above the main entrance. In 1944, the building was half destroyed, two decades later it was restored to its original form. Today, the former administrative building is actually empty.

Narva Art Gallery

It is located on the territory of the ancient bastion "Gloria", in the building of powder warehouses. Opened in 1991. The basis of the museum collection was a collection of valuable art paintings bequeathed to the city by the merchant family of the Lavretsovs at the beginning of the last century. There are also paintings by contemporary Estonian and Western European painters. In addition to canvases, wooden statues from churches and a collection of magnificent porcelain items are exhibited in the halls of the gallery.

Alexander Lutheran Church

Built at the end of the 19th century. The main parishioners were the workers of the Krenholm manufactory. Named after Alexander II, who died in 1881. Made in neo-Romanesque style. The building was significantly damaged during the war years from German shells, later it was used as a warehouse. Services resumed in the 1990s. New stained-glass windows were consecrated, the bell and the 60-meter tower were restored. Today it houses a church museum.

Resurrection Cathedral

The first stone for the future Orthodox church was laid in 1890 by Emperor Alexander III. The building was erected in the Byzantine style of dark and light bricks. Its height together with the central semicircular dome is 40 meters. The belfry is 30 meters high and has 6 bells. The facades of the cathedral are decorated with mosaic images of saints. Of great historical value is the wooden gilded iconostasis, which has never been restored.

Monument to Paul Keres

A bronze monument to the chess player who glorified Estonia throughout the world was erected on the centenary of his birth in 2016. Narva is the birthplace of Keres, so it was in this city that they decided to perpetuate his memory. The author of the project is the Estonian sculptor A. Simson. He depicted the grandmaster sitting at the chessboard during the last game he won in 1975. Anyone can sit next to and take a picture with the legendary resident of Narva.

Monument "Swedish Lion"

Installed in 2000 on a hill near the river, near the Narva Castle. The total height together with the pedestal is about 8 meters. It was built in honor of the battle near Narva, during which the Swedish army won and forced the troops of Peter I to retreat from the city. This is the second such sculpture in Narva. The first was made in Sweden in 1936 and was a copy of the lions standing in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. During the war years, it was destroyed, and they did not begin to restore it.

Casemates of the bastion "Victoria"

In 2015, the restoration of the casemates of the most powerful of the Narva defensive bastions of the 17th century was completed. A museum has opened here, you can visit it only as part of an excursion. The height of the casemates is 2-3 meters, the width is 2 meters, they are located on two levels. In the winter months, only the lower tier is open for inspection, and the upper tier is occupied by bats - the "indigenous inhabitants" of this structure. Museum expositions introduce the stages of construction and the history of fortifications.

Krenholm Manufactory

The main industrial enterprise of Narva. His textile products were famous far beyond the borders of Estonia. It was built in 1857 on the island of Krenholm, between the ledges of the large Narva waterfall. Its waters were used for industrial purposes. Later, a hydroelectric power station was built, and waterfalls began to appear only in the spring, when water was released. Residential buildings, shops, a hospital, a school and other facilities were built on the territory of the factory. Today everything is abandoned, you can get there only with a guided tour.