Helsinki Cathedral

The Cathedral rising on the northern side of the Senate Square is the stage of national and academic festive services and one of the most popular tourist sights. The church is part of Helsinki’s Empire era center and a landmark for those arriving by sea. It has become the symbol of the whole of Helsinki. It was previously called the St. Nicholas Church and Great Cathedral, the current main church of the Helsinki Diocese was completed in 1852. The Kazan Cathedral located in St. Petersburg is considered to be the model for the neoclassical style of the church. Sculptures of the twelve apostles guard the city from the roof of the church.

(Image source: www.helsinginkirkot.fi)

Helsinki Cathedral is part of the Empire era center of Helsinki, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, and planner Johan Albrekt Ehrenström. The neoclassical church was designed by Engel, whose work was continued after his death by architect, Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann. Once the construction work of the Empire era center began, the Ulrika Eleonora church on the Senate Square, completed in 1727, was demolished.

Address: Unioninkatu 29, FI-00121 Helsinki

Tel: 00358-9-23406120

Website: http://www.helsinginkirkot.fi/en/churches/cathedral

Opening hours: Open daily 9-18, June-August 9-24. Closed during ceremonies.