Russalka

The Russalka monument, perched at the crossroads of Pirita Tee and Narva Maantee, is one of Tallinn's most iconic sculptures. Erected in 1902, it depicts a bronze angel standing on a globe, holding a cross aloft, a poignant memorial to the 177 sailors lost when the Russian warship *Russalka* sank in the Baltic Sea in 1893. The statue faces the sea, as if watching for the ship's return. Visitors often pause here to admire its intricate details, from the flowing robes to the weathered expression on the angel's face. Set against the backdrop of Kadriorg's lush greenery, the monument is a favorite photo spot and a meeting point for locals. The surrounding area is peaceful, with benches and pathways ideal for a quiet stroll. At night, the statue is subtly lit, adding a solemn, ethereal quality. Its location near the Kadriorg Art Museum and the presidential palace makes it a natural stop on any walking tour of the district.

Don't miss

• Admire the bronze angel's detailed craftsmanship and symbolic pose
• Read the inscription listing the names of the lost sailors
• Visit at dusk when the monument is illuminated
• Combine with a walk through Kadriorg Park and the nearby art museum
• Photograph the statue with the sea or park as backdrop

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Russalka

Cheapest way inSoviet Walking Tour of Tallinn: Explore the City's Hidden History5★ · 82 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided Old Town Tallinn Historical Walking Tour4.8★ · 471 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$41 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTallinn Private Walking Tour with a Local4.9★ · 48 travelers2–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$56 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The monument is outdoors and can be visited 24/7, but is best seen in daylight or early evening.
• Bring a camera – the statue is photogenic from many angles, especially with the sky behind it.
• Combine with a visit to Kadriorg Palace and the Japanese garden, both a short walk away.
• Tallinn weather can be changeable; bring an umbrella if visiting in autumn or spring.

A bit of history

The Russalka monument was designed by Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson and unveiled on September 7, 1902. It commemorates the sinking of the Russian ironclad *Russalka* on September 7, 1893, during a storm en route from Reval (Tallinn) to Helsinki. All 177 crew members perished, and the shipwreck remains one of Estonia's worst maritime disasters.