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Home  >  Blog  >  The churches of Helsinki

The churches of Helsinki

Trish Burgess Posted on29/06/201517/05/2016 Finland, Helsinki 22 Comments

Four of the most interesting buildings we visited in Helsinki were churches. It’s not that I make a bee-line for churches when sightseeing, but these four totally different structures highlighted to me the huge diversity in religious architecture in one small city.

You can’t help but notice two of them, the contrasting edifices of the Lutheran Cathedral and the Russian (now Finnish) Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, both fighting for attention across the capital’s skyline.

The Lutheran Cathedral, a beautiful neoclassical creation of CL Engels, was completed in 1852 and presides over the Senate Square. Tourists and locals congregate on the steps which lead up to its entrance, taking time to observe the city from this great vantage point.

The Uspenski Cathedral, which stands on Katajanokka island, was completed in 1868, a decade or so after its neighbour. It is an imposing sight with its golden-tipped onion-shaped domes.

The dazzling snowy white exterior of the former, I have to say, wins the award for eye appeal, when compared to the more functional red-brick exterior of the latter. Inside, the Orthodox church is more lavish, though still rather sombre. The more minimalist, simple decoration inside the Lutheran church is certainly more reflective of the Finnish culture, in my opinion.

 

The Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko)

 

Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali)

From two churches which shout their existence from a height, is one which only just pops its head above the parapet. The ‘Rock Church’ – Temppeliaukio kirkko – is underground, hewn out of a massive block of natural granite. It’s all the more unusual as it’s situated in a residential part of the city, near apartments and a children’s park. Two brothers, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, blasted out the walls from within the rock to create this exciting space in 1969.

From outside, all you can see is its copper top peeping out of the rock like a flying saucer. Inside it’s like a tardis – a vast airy space with tremendous acoustics. It’s a real thrill to visit – certainly one of the highlights of our trip.

The exterior dome of the Rock Church
Interior of the Rock Church

Finally, my favourite church of them all, because of its utter simplicity and beauty. The Kamppi Chapel is a fairly new addition to Helsinki, situated near to the entrance of the shopping centre, in the heart of the city. It was designed by architects Sirola and Mikko Summanen of K2S Architects Ltd, an astonishing example of innovative wood design. The outer walls are constructed from spruce, the inner walls from alder and the interior furnishings from ash.

The building is exquisite – a bold design, yes, but when you enter, the noise from outside is totally removed. It is a space for reflection and allows shoppers and tourists the opportunity to find a sense of calm. Church services are not organised here – no weddings or baptisms – just occasional prayers.

We happened to enter the chapel at 10.30am on 9th June – the exact time, 25 years ago, that Dougie and I were married. I suppose we could have walked into any of the churches in Helsinki to take a moment to reflect but this one was perfect. I will never forget how special it was and how happy it made us both feel.

Exterior of the Kamppi Chapel
The beautiful warm interior of the Kamppi Chapel. 
Wander Mum

Previous Article Hello Helsinki
Next Article Six of one and half a dozen of the other

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22 Comments

  1. Mari's World Reply
    30/06/2015 at 8:11 pm

    Wow what fascinating architecture. I love the Rock Church, it's very different to anything I have seen before and the Kamppi Chapel has a beautiful interior.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      14/07/2015 at 1:25 pm

      Isn't it, Mari. You never really hear about Helsinki's architecture – we thought the different styles were fascinating.

  2. Sarah Reply
    01/07/2015 at 9:32 am

    It's funny how the universe aligns itself so you do the perfect thing at the right time. That chapel is indeed beautiful. It sounds like your wedding anniversary was all the more special because you were there. Congratulations, by the way, especially in this day and age! 🙂

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      14/07/2015 at 1:26 pm

      I agree. We didn't go out that morning with the intention of visiting a church at that specific time but when we realised where we were, just after 10, we stayed a bit longer.

  3. libby Reply
    02/07/2015 at 4:21 pm

    What fabulous churches and what a great anniversary gift from the universe to you both…..I quite fancy Helsinki now!.x

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      14/07/2015 at 1:27 pm

      I think you would enjoy it – everything in close proximity, lots to see, not crowded – just lovely.

  4. K Ville Reply
    03/07/2015 at 10:49 pm

    oh the Rock Church is amazing but I'm with you on loving Kamppi Chapel, what a perfect place to just go and talk to God.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      14/07/2015 at 1:28 pm

      I loved the fact that they had decided just to make it a simple place for prayer – very fitting.

  5. Tanja (the Red phone box travels) Reply
    17/05/2016 at 3:09 pm

    great photos! I did Stockholm this year and Oslo two years ago, so only Helsinki left:) #city tripping

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:33 pm

      That’s what we did – a Nordic capitals trip. We added Copenhagen and Reykjavik too.

  6. Elizabeth (Wander Mum) Reply
    17/05/2016 at 6:46 pm

    Aw – how wonderful you spent your anniversary there – at the exact time! Love it. A great collection of churches – all so different. The Rock Church is very unusual. Interesting that they don’t have specific services. Thanks for linking up to #citytripping

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:34 pm

      We were quite surprised at the contrast from lavish to very simple.

  7. Cathy (MummyTravels) Reply
    17/05/2016 at 7:33 pm

    What fascinating contrasts – such unusual buildings and even more so to see them all in one city. What lovely timing to find yourselves in the most personal and intimate one at just the right moment too. #citytripping

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:35 pm

      We loved Helsinki – its such a manageable little city to explore. It was perfect for our anniversary trip and the Kamppi chapel was just right.

  8. Mandy Southgate Reply
    17/05/2016 at 9:28 pm

    Oh my, those really are gorgeous. I thought nothing could top the first two but then the Rock Church and Kamppi Chapel were so interesting that they did! Lovely.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:36 pm

      I think that was our experience too – each new church was a revelation.

  9. Ruth Reply
    19/05/2016 at 1:28 am

    Wow! You post is surprising because I was not expecting the churches to look like that. Now, I have a better idea of place I would like to visit in Helsinki.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:37 pm

      Helsinki is a super city to visit and the people are wonderful. Quite a foodie city too.

  10. beatravelling Reply
    20/05/2016 at 9:14 pm

    Wow, how cool!! Have been wanting to go to Helsinki for a while now.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      23/05/2016 at 6:38 pm

      I hope you do decide to go as it’s a fascinating place to visit and very pretty.

  11. Claire at Tin Box Traveller Reply
    27/05/2016 at 12:46 pm

    I always seem to make a beeline for churches and cathedrals when we are visiting somewhere new. The architecture is fascinating. What a great collection of unique designs in Helsinki! #citytripping

  12. Carson Coronado Reply
    11/05/2017 at 9:36 am

    I have to agree with you that the buildings and architecture of the churches of the past are so beautiful. There is nothing quite as captivating as that Gothic feel. While I have never been to Finland at all, I do rather enjoy traveling the world and taking in the beautiful sight of churches from around the world.

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