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 Orthodox church in central Tapiola |
2 Kaupinkalliontie Tapiola Helsinki 02100 Finland +358 9 455 3436 |
The Church of St. Herman of Alaska was built in the centre of Tapiola a few years ago. It is lovely to visit this charming wooden building, located on a small wooded hill right next to the Tapiola school. It was designed by the Orthodox priest-architect, Paul Hesse, as a synthesis of the Byzantine traditions and modern architecture, and the icons were made by Alexander Wikström. The church is also known for its wall decorations. Tours are often organized, while regular services are held daily. Call for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Espoo old church |
5 Kirkkopuisto Helsinki 02770 Finland +358 9 8652 0236 http://www.evl.fi/srk/espoo/ka... |
At least as early as the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of Espoo used to travel several miles to hear the Word of God in this church, which many people consider to be the most beautiful church in the area. The oldest building in Espoo, it dates from the early fifteenth century, the material is quarried grey stone, with brick ornaments on the ends. The builder was an "unknown master" from Espoo. During the last century the church was restored twice, as were the original "al secco" paintings representing biblical history and the sixteenth-century wooden crucifix above the altarpiece. Turquoise benches cheer up this otherwise quite dark church. This is one of the most popular wedding churches in the Helsinki region, especially on Saturdays during summer it is always fully booked. There is an old cemetery with soldiers' graves. The belfry made of grey stone and wood dates back to 1767. The church is also popular for concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Near the cliffs and the sea |
8 Kipparinkatu Helsinki 02320 Finland +358 9 8625 0600 http://www.evl.fi/srk/espoo/es... |
Espoonlahti church was built in 1980, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, and enlarged in 1997. Built of concrete and stone quarried from the rock on which it was built, the church looks as if it were a part of the rock. The marine surroundings are very attractive; indeed, the whole entity is beautiful, modern and interesting. Inside, the church is triangular in shape; it gives a collected impression and emphasises a feeling of togetherness. The direction has been chosen so that the sunlight reaches and comes in through the windows in the high altar wall during the time of the service. Very ingenious and beautiful indeed. The congregation is amongst the largest in Espoo. Services are held on Sundays and religious holidays in Finnish. Many activities are arranged during the week, but schedules vary so call and find out. Buses 150 and 150A will take you there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Johannes church |
10 E Korkeavuorenkatu Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 709 2370 http://www.helsinginseurakunna... |
Johannes church was the third Lutheran church in Helsinki, and it is still the biggest. It was built in Neo-Gothic style towards the beginning of the 1890s, as the surrounding population had begun to grow. The twin towers are 74 meters in height, so the church has very impressive dimensions. The church has 2,600 seats, so there is plenty of room for big concerts and events as well. The altarpiece shows Saul's conversion and the painting, called "A Divine Revelation" is by Eero Järnefelt, brother-in-law to Jean Sibelius. The name Johannes (John) surprisingly has its roots in the Finnish ancient era and not in the name of John the Baptist. Johannes church stands on a hill that for many centuries had been a place for Midsummer bonfires (Midsummer is also "John's Day", Juhannus in Finnish). It is also interesting that the well-known composer Oskar Merikanto worked as an organist in this church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Gasienica |
 Photo: Antti Nissinen  |
 Photo: Thomas Gasienica |
 Photo: Vesa Härkönen |
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Majestic Kallio church |
2 Itäinen Papinkatu Helsinki 00530 Finland +358 9 753 2086 http://www.helsinginseurakunna... |
The spectacular Kallio church was designed by well-known architect Lars Sonck at the end of the nineteenth century. It was built of grey granite in 1912 onto a high place from where its handsome tower looms over the city. The bells of the tower play a melody composed by Jean Sibelius. Inside the church are numerous interesting details such as a crucifix and relief made by sculptor Hannes Autere. In 1990 the church got an urn cemetery, where urns are temporarily preserved and then transferred into a special stone grave under the church. This restored the old tradition of burying the deceased under the church floor. Kallio church is also known as a centre for organ music in Helsinki, the acoustics are excellent. The church has two organs—the main one represents the French Romantic style, and the other one is Baroque. These organs have been noticed and played by internationally known top organists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Karuna church |
Seurasaari Helsinki Finland +358 9 4050 9660 http://www.nba.fi/MUSEUMS/SEUR... |
This church was built by a seventeenth-century nobleman called Horn who lived in Karuna (close to Turku), in memory of his first wife. According to legend, this was to placate his conscience and as an attempt to guarantee her eternal life in heaven, having ruined her reputation himself by having an affair with his cousin. The church was transferred to Seurasaari at the beginning of the twentieth century. Every Midsummer Eve a wedding takes place here in traditional Finnish style, with horse-drawn carriages and people in national costumes. All visitors to Seurasaari are welcome to join in these festivities. Services are held in Finnish on summer Sundays at 10a. You can only enter this attractive wooden church in the summer, as with all buildings on Seurasaari. You can get to the island year-round, though, by bus from Erottaja. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Remarkable large church |
23 A Tehtaankatu Helsinki 00140 Finland +358 9 709 2390 http://www.helsinginseurakunna... |
Agricola church, located near Kaivopuisto, was designed by Lars Sonck, the architect of the famous Kallio church. However, there are no similarities between this church and the Kallio church, as their architecture is inspired by totally different eras. This church is spacious and therefore an ideal place for big events. The tower is 106 metres in height, evoking an image of trying to reach up to the skies. The highest part of the tower is actually a steel needle, the most unique detail of this church. The name of the church comes from the father of the standard Finnish language, Mikael Agricola. Trams 1 and 3T as well as bus 14b can be used to reach this church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Marsland |
 Photo: Steve Day |
 Photo: Cobweb_Dust |
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Gorgeous church in Kontula |
1 Emännänpolku Helsinki 00940 Finland +358 9 342 4160 http://www.helsinginseurakunna... |
Kontula is a suburb of eastern Helsinki that will not bring up very aesthetic images in people's minds. One exception in the area is the church, built as the result of an architectural competition held in the mid-1980s, by winning architect office Käpy and Simo Paavilainen. The building consists of a high-ceilinged hall and a lower two-storey church office. The redbrick façade shows some Italian influences; the Archangel Michael, sculpted by Kari Juva, guards the church from the eaves. The church was named after the Archangel and has obtained international attention. The church also has a fine square that is worth a visit. Services are held in Finnish at 10a on Sundays and Christian holidays. The church organises many kinds of events on weekends and during the week, and also has a coffee shop, open during visiting hours (except on Saturdays). You can get here on the Mellunmäki metro line and buses 92N and 94B. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonas Harz |
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Surprising solutions |
4 Olarinuoma Helsinki 02200 Finland +358 9 8625 0751 http://www.evl.fi/srk/espoo/ol... |
Olari Church was built in an area that once belonged to Gräsagård, one of the oldest manors in Espoo. The church was built by architect office Käpy and Simo Paavilainen in 1981 and does not represent any particular architectural style, forming an exciting mixture of old and new. This gorgeous redbrick church catches the attention of people driving through this part of western Espoo. The façade is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The inner yard is sheltered by a group of buildings surrounding a little hill in the centre. The key elements are space and light. The church hall is full of exciting and surprising architectural solutions. The hall's direction moves firstly towards the pulpit, but turns halfway towards the altar. The colour of the walls, altar and pulpit is bright white. The green-and-black seats, and the red stone floor create striking but pleasant contrasts to the whiteness. The birch seats are beautifully varnished. The neighbourhood of the church contains the crematorium and urn burial ground of Gräsa, designed by architect Bey Heng. Services are held in Finnish at 10a and in Swedish at noon on Sundays and Christian holidays. You can get to Olari from Espoo on buses 10-14 and 19, and from Helsinki on buses 105, 120, 121, 122, 128, 195 and 505. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Oldest church in Helsinki |
16B Bulevardi Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 709 2480 http://www.helsinginseurakunta... |
The Old Church is not only the oldest but perhaps also the most beautiful church in Helsinki. The small, white and peacefully plain building is located in one of the prettiest parks in Helsinki. Construction began in the 1820s when Ulrika Eleonora Church on Senate Square became too small and the new cathedral had not yet been built. Famous Helsinki architect C. L. Engel designed the church in 1826. The wooden exterior is in simple Neo—Classical style, with a delightful belfry and green dome reminiscent of the Cathedral. With its attractive simplicity the interior is traditionally Finnish; its colours are whites and pastels, against which the gilded altarpiece, organ and pulpit stand out. The altarpiece, the only picture in the church, is signed by court painter Ekman; the organ and pulpit are also 19th—century originals. Services are held at in Finnish regularly and in Swedish on Sundays and Christian holidays. Eucharist is held on Wednesday mornings, and short organ concerts are held on Tuesdays. This is a very popular concert and wedding venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pekko Parikka |
 Photo: Lasse Koskela |
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Beautiful in a different way |
5 Sammatintie Helsinki 00550 Finland +358 9 717 033 http://www.muuka.com/finnishpu... |
After Paavali Church (the Church of Paul) was completed, it was called by some the most beautiful church in Helsinki. An unusual feature of this church is the residential and social spaces that exist in connection to the church itself. Those who are not so keen on the pompous Russian Empire-style architecture of the heart of Helsinki may like the architecture of this church, designed by architect Bertel Liljeqvist and consecrated in 1930. The church fits in well in its surroundings, which cannot be said about many other churches in the greater Helsinki region. Services are held in Finnish at 10am and in Swedish at 12pm on Sundays and Christian holidays. You can get here on trams 6 and 8 or buses 70, 71, 73N and 77. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pretty medieval church |
Kirkkokatu Helsinki 08100 Finland +358 19 322 444 |
This beautiful sixteenth-century church in Vantaa is one of the most popular wedding churches in the Helsinki region, the perfect stage for a real fairy-tale wedding. This is the third-biggest medieval granite church in Finland, surprisingly pretty and dainty for its age. Its unusually rich painted decorations make this a unique piece of medieval architecture. The church is also known for its great concerts, thanks to its great acoustics. The annual Vantaa Baroque Week is one of the many musical events arranged here. It is worth finding out about the frequent concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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German church |
4 Bernhardinkatu Helsinki 00130 Finland +358 9 636 070 http://www.delgifi.pp.fi/ |
This German Protestant church in Kaartinkaupunki (on the southern part of Unioninkatu, near Tähtitorninmäki) is certainly one of the loveliest in Helsinki. It was consecrated in 1864. The Germans who lived in Helsinki in the nineteenth century had their own parish circle with regular German services; in 1858 they were given the right to form their own congregation and this church was the result. The church is very attractive and has a romantic atmosphere. No wonder, then, that this is one of the most popular wedding churches in the Helsinki region. On Sundays the church often has an evening service at 11p. In addition to that, Sunday services are held at 11a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church on the fortress island |
C3 Suomenlinna Helsinki Finland +358 9 709 7665 http://www.helsinginseurakunna... |
Suomenlinna church, built in 1854, was originally Orthodox, but after Finland became independent, it was transformed into a Lutheran church. At the time it had a Russian-style onion-shaped dome, which was unfortunately removed; the present appearance of the church dates from the 1920s. The church is small and has a cosy atmosphere. Visiting it is a unique experience, thanks to its location near the sea. Also the church lighthouse, which is still in operation, is special; it is estimated that there are only three church lighthouses in the Christian world. Every Midsummer's Eve a traditional wedding is celebrated in this little church, with horse-drawn carriages and people in national costume. Ordinary services are held every summer Sunday at 12:30p. You can get here on the ferries that leave from the Market Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: beesi001 |
 Photo: beesi001 |
 Photo: homoiberikus |
 Photo: jefferyyunli |
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Helsinki's most photographed building |
29 Unioninkatu (Senaatintori) Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 709 2455 |
The Lutheran Cathedral (also Suurkirkko or St. Nicholas Church) is Helsinki's most important landmark. The majestic outline of its 71 meter central tower illustrates the true glory of the White City of the North. The cathedral was designed by C. L. Engel in 1830; when Engel died in 1840, E. B. Lohrmann took over the supervision and added several touches to the original blueprints, including details in the simple yet beautiful interior. The cathedral was finally completed in 1852, though the famous grand steps would not be there for another 20 years. Despite the western, classical style, the influences of Russia and especially that of Czar Nicholas I are also visible. The cathedral's famous statues of the Apostles were originally Nicholas's idea. The Czar also donated the altarpiece, the work of Russian artist von Neff. The cathedral has a high—ceilinged crypt, a venue for exhibitions and concerts, and a café open every summer. The cathedral, decorated with statues of Mikael Agricola and the religious reformers Luther and Melanchthon, hosts both ordinary and more official (Government and University) services, as well as various concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dominic marcinkus |
 Photo: Petteri Sulonen |
 Photo: Peter PZ |
 Photo: phototouring |
 Photo: phototouring |
 Photo: Hurina |
 Photo: Nadia Prigoda |
 Photo: falsummatti |
 Photo: eesu |
 Photo: Marko_K |
 Photo: Leena Saarinen |
 Photo: Tiina Rajasalo |
 Photo: Zunkkis |
 Photo: Jouni Heinänen |
 Photo: Hiranya Samarasekera |
 Photo: Rebecca Slaven |
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Tapiola Church |
6 Kirkkopolku Helsinki 02100 Finland +358 9 8625 0400 http://www.evl.fi/srk/espoo/ta... |
This church designed by professor Aarno Ruusuvuori is situated on Tapionraitti, which leads to the centre of Tapiola. The church, cubic in form, represents a type of architecture, unusual to Finland. The church seems to form its own little world, standing out from its surroundings. The façade is made of concrete, steel and glass. The church is located near the shopping centre area and the Tapiola Garden Hotel. With its fine acoustics the church provides an arena for many musical events in addition to conventional ecclesiastical ones. It is also the home of the world-famous Tapiola Choir. Tapiola Church is a part of the so-called "road church" system in Finland. This means that a traveller can come in to relax, meditate, ask for advice or just have a cup of coffee before carrying on with his or her journey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Famous sight |
3 Lutherinkatu Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 494 698 http://www.muuka.com/finnishpu... |
One of the biggest success stories in modern Helsinki architecture, Temppeliaukion Kirkko's design initially roused controversy because it involved a large hole in the granite outcrop covered with a concave roof. There are no ornaments, belfry or altar. Criticism is now a thing of the past and it receives about 500,000 visitors annually. The stonewalls and metal ceiling give a feeling of warmth and security. The temple is also an excellent venue for musical events; the acoustics are superb, attracting many of the world's best organists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: makiko nishida |
 Photo: Alan J. Fey |
 Photo: Lance Kent |
 Photo: makiko nishida |
 Photo: robin-root |
 Photo: robin-root |
 Photo: riverandroad |
 Photo: Satoki Nishida |
 Photo: mauricio arduz |
 Photo: thegoatisbad |
 Photo: MONICA GASPARINI |
 Photo: nictowujek |
 Photo: Richard Norman |