ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL........The Russian Orthodox church is one of the magnificent buildings atop the Toompea, the hilltop area in the middle of Tallinn.

The church was built in the late 19th century, when Estonia was part of the Russian empire. With independence in 1920, many people wanted to tear down the cathedral. One place I read said that there weren't funds for demolition. Another source said that there were protests by the Russian Othodox Church. No matter why, the building fell into disrepair during the days of communisim. But, careful renovations and repairations began with independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

MARTIN