Named after Norway’s King Olaf II, St. Olaf’s Church is one of Old Town’s crown jewels. Located at Old Town’s northern end, the church is believed to have originated on this site as far back as the 12th century. During the 15th and 16th centuries it was thought to be one of the tallest buildings in the world. After several restorations dating back many centuries, total height now measures 407 feet (124m).

During Soviet times the KGB in Estonia was headquartered on Pagari street, one block south of the Church. This proximity was considered useful as it allowed for sophisticated listening equipment to be installed at the highest point in the city center and easily hardwired to HQ below. It was thought the equipment was so sensitive it could intercept radio signals originating from as far away as Finland and Sweden.

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