Businessman to Restore Ruined 19th-Century Orthodox Church in Estonia

St. Nicholas Church in Estonia, with its current condition next to its historical appearance. Photo: ERR

MAEMOISA — On Nov. 16, 2025, it became known that entrepreneur Margus Tammemäe had purchased a ruined 19th-century Orthodox church – St. Nicholas Church located in the Estonian town of Mäemõisa, ERR reports.

According to the businessman, he has long been interested in historical churches and dreamed of one day becoming the owner of such a structure. The city of Haapsalu put the church ruins up for auction, and Tammemäe turned out to be the only participant. He admitted that the purchase was for him “a dream come true” and a personal challenge.

Historians note that St. Nicholas Church is one of dozens of Orthodox shrines built in western and southern Estonia in the 19th century that are now in an emergency state. Experts call such sites “the most hopeless real estate,” since they require extensive restoration and no one wants to assume ownership.

Tammemäe stated that he intends to restore the church and preserve it as part of the cultural heritage. He emphasized that he wants “to leave a constructive mark behind,” mentioning that he once suffered a serious injury that made him rethink his approach to life and strive for meaningful projects.

Previously, UOJ reported that Estonian President Alar Karis told the country's Supreme Court that a ban on the Estonian Orthodox Church is unconstitutional. 

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