Churches in Helsinki
There are several historical churches that make a mark on the cityscape of Helsinki city centre and its immediate surroundings.
You may visit the churches for a quiet moment and enjoy the peace also between official ceremonies. Particularly church concerts organised during the Christmas period attract with genuine Christmas spirit.
One of the main sights of the city, Helsinki Cathedral, is located in the historical centre in Senate Square. The church designed by Carl Ludwig Engel was built in 1830 - 1852. The Cathedral hosts the opening and closing services of the parliamentary sessions as well as the Independence Day service.
Another church that is among the main attractions in the city is Temppeliaukio Church (1969) in Töölö, which has been carved from solid rock. The unique architecture by the architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen gives the church magnificent acoustics, and the church is a popular venue for concerts.
Suomenlinna Church (1854) is a rare church lighthouse that continues to function as a beacon for sea and air traffic. The church, located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, is also one of the most popular wedding churches in Helsinki.
Engel also designed the oldest remaining place of worship in the city, Vanha kirkko (Old Church) in 1826. The Old Church Park has a cemetery, where the last burials were performed in 1919.
The largest stone church in Finland, Johanneksen kirkko (St. John¿s Church, 1891) is located near the city centre. The most imposing landmark of the Katajanokka district, Uspenski Cathe-dral (1868) is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. The gold-domed red-brick building is a reminder of Russia's influence on Finnish history..
Linkit:
Senate Square Church Temppeliaukio Church Uspenski Cathedral
Texti: Mari VIlkki
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank
