Many faces of the city
In Helsinki, you can make a fascinating journey through the centuries. The architecture in the city is typically Nordic in its unassuming and sophisticated nature.
The city centre, particularly around Senate Square, forms a unique neoclassical whole. It is dominated by three buildings designed by C.L. Engel: the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Main Building of the University of Helsinki.
Engel's mark can also be seen in the city administration buildings bordering the south side of the Square. He renovated the buildings dating originally from the 18th century to better suit the architecture of the Square.
Uspenski Cathedral, designed by Alexander M. Gornostajev on a hilltop near the Square, is the largest Russian Orthodox church in Europe and epitomises the Byzantine-Russian style.
Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) originating from the late 19th century is also clearly visible in the cityscape of Helsinki, where it developed into an individual National Romanticist style.
A prime example of this style is the National Museum of Finland designed by the trio of architects Gesellius-Lindgren-Saarinen. Later Jugendstil at its most magnificent can be seen in the Railway Station designed by Eliel Saarinen on the threshold of Finnish independence.
The best examples of the Functionalist style are the venue of the 1952 Olympics, the Olympic Stadium, and the Lasipalatsi in the very centre of the city.
Among the best known buildings in Helsinki are the Alvar Aalto-designed Finlandia Hall and Temppeliaukio Church designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, which represent the best of early Modernism.
The most well-known buildings completed in recent years are the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and Sanoma House with its glass façade. Another interesting sight is the High Tech Center in Ruoholahti built in 2001.
Links:
Finlandia Hall
Kiasma
Olympic Stadium
Source: Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank
Linnanmäki amusement park (1 260 000)