Think of one landmark in Helsinki and it will most likely be Helsinki Cathedral. It sits proudly above Senate Square, but it is not Helsinki’s only cathedral. We’ll visit a different cathedral in Helsinki another day.
Consecrated in 1852, this majestic, white cathedral was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel. It was originally named St Nicholas Church (‘Nikolainkirkko’ in Finnish) for Nicholas I, the Russian Tsar, as well as for St Nicholas. Upon Finland’s independence, it was called Suurkirkko (‘The Great Church’ in Finnish), then finally, when the Diocese of Helsinki was formed in 1959, it became Helsinki Cathedral (or ‘Helsingin tuomiokirkko’ in Finnish). The cathedral is one of ten cathedral churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
I approached the cathedral from Unioninkatu. The main door into the cathedral is actually at this side rather than the side facing Senate Square. Due to the snow & ice, I decided to make use of the handrail while climbing the steps to the cathedral. I had no desire to fall flat on my face right at the beginning of my holiday!
Inside Helsinki Cathedral, I was greeted by architecture just as grand as it is on the outside. Beautifully decorated sweeping arches, smooth domes, columns and statues stand proud.
Your eyes are drawn to the altar and its painting depicting the entombment of Jesus before his Resurrection. The painting was a gift from Tsar Nicholas I, and was painted by a Baltic-German academician & court painter, Timeon Karl von Neff.
The cathedral’s grand organ (with 57 stops) sits on the balcony above the main entrance. It was manufactured by a Danish company called Marcussen & Son in 1967.
I found the cathedral to be fairly busy with visitors. Some just sheltering from the cold, others taking in the awe of the building.
Visitors to the cathedral are invited to pay a voluntary admission fee – 5 euros in the winter and 8 euros in the summer (at the time of writing).
The view from outside of the cathedral is fantastic. Standing above Senate Square on an early December afternoon, I was able to look over Helsinki Christmas Market and the surrounding grand buildings, as the sun started to set.
43 Comments
Kelly
As impressive as the exterior is, it can’t compare to the inside! I love cathedral/church architecture of any period, but the clean, simple lines here are gorgeous. And that painting! I find the arrangement of the pews interesting. Do you think they suggest a lower cost donation in winter to encourage people to come in and shelter from the cold?
Nikki
It’s actually quite refreshing to see a cathedral with the pews still in place. Many British cathedrals have removed the old pews in favour of chairs they can place & remove for various events. You may be right about the suggested donation.
Johanna Bradley
You’re really smitten with Finland, aren’t you, Nikki? And I can really see why. It’s beautiful, and very stylish. Funnily enough, I thought that Leeds had only one cathedral, but I found out this trip that it has two. Live and learn.
Nikki
Yes, there’s so much more of it I want to see. I didn’t know Leeds had two cathedrals either, but then I’ve only changed trains at the railway station there. I will have to visit Leeds properly one day.
Eastside Cats
I’m guessing Neo-Classical?
Yeah, my architectural art history is rusty, but what a building!
Nikki
Yes, I think you’re right there.
lisl
I am struck by the elegance and spaciousness of this fine building, Nikki
Alan Rolfe
What a fabulous place! I like the clean lines.
Kris P
Great architectural shots, Nikki!
Alison
Beautiful photos and very impressive building.
tomthebackroadstraveller
…what a grand building!
hena
Absolutely beautiful.
Ginnie Hart
I definitely remember this cathedral from the outside but not from the inside, Nikki, which tells me we saw it on our tour without going in. I always look for the pulpit and organ whenever I enter a church because of my preacher dad and my musician mom (piano, organ, choir director, etc.). I was incredibly impressed by the curved organ. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life! WOW.
Nikki
Did you visit Uspenski Cathedral while you were in Helsinki? I’ll be doing a blog post on that one soon. It’s a completely different cathedral to this one. You also might be interested in Oulu Cathedral (another upcoming post!)… You’ll be able to hear it’s organ in full flow!
Jo
Beautiful. It’s striking being built in white.
jeanie
Nikki, your photos are always just fantastic. I can see why this was such a wonderful subject with its beautiful details, those magnificent high ceilings, the facade. The evening lighting photo is just splendid.
Nikki
Thank you!
Astrid
What an incredible series of pictures you show us. It is a joy to follow you in your footsteps. The interior is so elegant in its simplicity. The outside is just impressive. Thank you for the details as well.
Have a nice day.
Nikki
Thank you for your lovely comments!
Ann
Helsinki cathedral is absolutely stunning, Nikki! I had no idea … xxx
A ShutterBug Explores
wow! wonderful series of photos of Helsinki catheral ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and fun in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Nikki
Thank you!
somewhereinireland
The building is absolutely beautiful.
Beverley
Helsinki cathedral is stunning. You have captured the detail inside perfectly. If we ever visit the city, it will be on our ‘must see’ list. Thank you for sharing x
Nikki
Be sure to visit Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki too. It’s totally different, but possibly even more amazing. Blog post coming soon!
Marty
Such beautiful ceilings! My neck would have been swollen after visiting.
Catherine
What a beautiful space. Your photographs are excellent. I noticed your comment about the pews in some cathedrals being replaced with chairs. I’ve been in a few with that arrangement and I think it destroys the whole feeling of the interior. As in the lovely building above, the old pews should remain intact. But I guess that’s another topic! Thanks for the lovely post.
Nikki
Thank you! I’m not a fan of pews being removed either, it totally changes the vibe of the space, although I do understand why they do it.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
It’s beautiful, and quite different from what we are used to here.
Maria
I do love beautiful architecture! Thank you for sharing this cathedral.
Cathy (wanderessence)
What a beautiful cathedral, Nikki. Your photos of it and the little video with the music are fantastic. Thanks for taking me to the winter hinterlands of Finland in this new year!
Nikki
Thank you, there’s more to come!
CherryPie
It is beautiful in crisp white simplicity.
Her Digital Coffee
Wow, you’ve captured such beautiful shots. Thank you for sharing Nikki! Happy New Year!
Anca
It looks very interesting, light and airy. It must be a great stop when going to the Christmas market.
Peter B.
It’s gorgeous, and your photos are stunning. What a beautiful landmark!
Karalee
The Helsinki Cathedral is beautiful, and I love your photos!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
The white cathedral is strikingly beautiful in its simplicity.
Sharon
What a beautiful building. Striking and contemporary. Love that view too.
Ju-Lyn
Stunning church beautifully captured! The snow sets a very magical scene as well! It looks enormous!
© Roentare
The architecture is grand and majestic here. So beautiful and elegant.
Denise Bush
Amazing architecture and wonderful shots!
Tanja
I went inside too, impressive cathedral. I need to blog about my Helsinki trip too, lately it takes me between a year or two to actually write about my trips, lol