Sat on a hillside on the Katajanokka Peninsula, Uspenski Cathedral (‘Uspenskin Katedraali’ in Finnish) overlooks the city and harbour of Helsinki. This red-bricked cathedral with its 13 onion domes is Helsinki’s Orthodox cathedral and it is dedicated to the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos (‘the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary’). It’s considered to be the largest Orthodox temple in Northern and Western Europe.
The cathedral very much echoes its origins. At the time of the cathedral’s construction, Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. The growing Orthodox population needed a larger church building, and so the construction of the new cathedral was mainly funded through donations from individual benefactors and parishioners.
Uspenski Cathedral was designed by architect Alexey Maksimovich Gornostaev between 1859 and 1860. He initially led the construction work, but architect Ivan Varek took over upon Gornostajev’s death in 1862. The design and construction of the cathedral took nine years and Uspenski Cathedral was consecrated on 25th October 1868.
Uspenski Cathedral’s design, especially its interior, is in stark contrast to Helsinki Cathedral, the city’s Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral. Every inch of it is intricately decorated. There’s no shortage of gold in this cathedral.
A private baptism was underway during my first visit to Uspenski Cathedral. I was surprised that visitors were still allowed at this time, though kept behind a barrier and instructed to be quiet and respectful and not take photos. I arrived in time for the doors to open on my second visit, as did a couple of coach loads of tourists! Still, it was a welcome break from the cold outside.
Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted.
32 Comments
Kelly
It certainly is opulent!! I love looking up into the dome. Can you imagine having to light tapers on that chandelier before there was electricity? Maybe it was lowered on a chain or cord in order to do that.
Nikki
I imagine it would have taken some time, no matter how they did it!
Ginnie Hart
As Kelly has already said, it really is an opulent interior, Nikki, and totally worth seeing if you’re there. And as we photographers like to say, “ always look up,” indeed! I’m glad you did.
Nikki
I’m glad I was able to make a second visit to take photos.
Alan Rolfe
It is stunning both inside and out.
Kris P
That’s one impressive edifice even by comparison to other cathedrals I’ve seen! Best wishes for a happy Easter!
lisl
How unlike our own Cathedrals, Nikki, spacious and soaring in such a different way. I like the donation only, too
Astrid
“Don’t forget to look”, that is an understatement. What an incredible Cathedral this is, inside and outside. Incredible pictures showing the richness of the Cathedral. Very impressive and a bonus with the baptism. I am always happy to give a donation.
Happy Easter.
Jo
Beautiful. That altar is impressive, well, it all is!
Eastside Cats
Weird, I know, but I am just amazed at the engineering of those spaces.
When studying art history in college, the flying buttresses of cathedrals enthralled me, and how such huge edifices can remain standing is a wonderment.
Nikki
They certainly don’t seem to build them like they used to!
A ShutterBug Explores
Impressive cathedrals ~ wow! Great photos too ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Beverley
You have visited some wonderful cathedrals in the past and this is particularly impressive with the domed ceiling. It looks like the stars shining in the sky. Beautiful!
Nikki
I always make a point of finding out cathedrals and churches when I’m on my travels. You are so right, the stars in the dome do look like they are shining in the sky!
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
The exterior is quite interesting but gives little clue to the wonders inside – that dome is amazingly beautiful.
Ann
Uspenski Cathedral looks absolutely stunning inside and out! Thanks for sharing Nikki! xxx
Ann Coleman
The attention to detail is incredible! That’s a very impressive cathedral.
Marty
What a breathtaking place. I just hope your neck has recovered! Beautiful pictures.
Her Digital Coffee
Wow, these are absolutely stunning photos Nikki! It’s great that admission is free and donations are accepted. Thanks for sharing!
Aussie Jo
Amazing photos
CherryPie
This Cathedral looks amazing 🙂
Margaret
Wonderful Cathedral and photos.
Sue
Splendid pictures, Nikki.
Carol
I enjoy visiting old churches and this one is a beauty. Thanks for all the descriptions and photos. I enjoyed my visit.
Sharon Robinson
Looking up is the right thing to do. Beautiful ❤️
Peter B.
Beyond stunning!!!
Allie Mackin
OMG wow, this is incredible I don’t know what is more awe inspiring the exterior or the interior. Your photos are great, thanks for posting would love to see this in person one day.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Nikki
There’s so much to see and do in Helsinki!
Johanna Bradley
Fabulous photos, Nikki.
chickenruby
What a beautiful cathedral, I suspect you had a hard job choosing which photos to publish
hena
Looks beautiful. Especially the photo of the exterior with the snow on the ground. Gorgeous.
Tanja
beautiful church, I went inside too. And I liked the view of Helsinki from its location