The Helsinki Cathedral in the city of Helsinki is a distinct landmark that stands tall in the heart of the capital of Finland. Featuring beautifully carved interiors, the cathedral represents the neo-classical style of art and architecture. The Helsinki Cathedral is surrounded by many small, yet beautifully constructed buildings, many of which were made by the architect Carl Ludvig Engel himself. Until the Finland gained independence in the year 1917, it was called St. Nicholas’ Church by the locals.

The cathedral was built on a Greek-cross plan, and is symmetrical in each of its four cardinal directions. Later, the cathedral was modified several times by Engel’s successor Ernst Lohrmann. The four small domes lend a touch of artistic richness to the cathedral. Lohrmann also erected two separately standing bell towers and zinc statues of the Twelve Apostles at the cathedral’s apexes and corners of the roofline.

Today, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful and grand churches in Helsinki. Every year, 350,000 + people visit the church and many of them attend the religious events that are held here. The locals use the church for both worship and special events such as weddings and baptisms.

The crypt of the Helsinki Cathedral was renovated in the 1980s by architects Vilhelm Helander and Uha Leiviska for hosting exhibitions and religious functions. Before the cathedral came into existence, a smaller church called the Church of the Ulrika Eleanora stood in its place. A duplicate of this church was erected in the Senate Square in the 2000s. It was made entirely of snow.

Helsinki Cathedral Map

Facts about Helsinki Cathedral

• The Helsinki Cathedral was built in between 1830 and 1852.
• The cathedral was built in honor of Grand Duke, Nicholas I, the Tsar of Russia.
• It was originally designed by the well-known architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
• The church has 1,300 seats.

Where is Helsinki Cathedral?

The Helsinki Cathedral is situated in the locality of Kruununhaka in Helsinki. The cathedral is located at a distance of about 20 kms from the Helsinki airport.

Best time to visit Helsinki Cathedral

The best time to visit the Helsinki Cathedral is during the summer.

Helsinki Cathedral Hours

The Helsinki Cathedral opens on all days from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

More on Helsinki Cathedral

Nearby Attractions: Suurkirkko, Senate Square, Lutheran Cathedral, Fantasiapelit Tudeer Oy, and Varsapuisto.

Vanha Kirkko in Helsinki is a must-see tourist attraction while you are on your tour to the city. The picturesque city of Helsinki is one of the favorite spots for leisure travelers. People from various corners of the world fly to Helsinki to spend their dream vacation. Also known as the Helsinki Old Church, the Vanha Kirkko was constructed in a city-maintained recreation park. This park is popularly known as Ruttopuisto (Plague Park) as several victims of the 1710 plague are entombed near the park. The park itself was a cemetery before the construction of the church.

Vanha Kirkko is one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Moreover, this church is also regarded as one of the oldest churches of Helsinki. The Vanha Kirkko has a white building that appeals to the onlookers’ eyes.

Vanha Kirkko was constructed when Ulrika Eleonora church on Senate Square became too small for the congregation. The architecture of Vanha Kirkko with its wooden exterior really looks very beautiful. The simple Neo-Classical style can be seen in the exteriors of the church, while a Finnish touch can be seen in the interiors of Vanha Kirkko. White and pastel colors used in this venue are really soothing to the eyes.

In Vanha Kirkko you will find only one picture and that is the altarpiece. This beautiful painting is signed by Ekman who was a court painter. You will also see pews, and sculpture work, and a beautiful organ upstairs.

Church services are also held on Sundays and on Christian holidays. The Eucharist is organized every morning on Wednesday. Vanha Kirkko, Helsinki, is also a celebrated concert venue. Weddings are also held in the Vanha Kirkko in Helsinki.

Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church) Map

Facts about Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

• The Helsinki Cathedral was built in between 1830 and 1852.
• The cathedral was built in honor of Grand Duke, Nicholas I, the Tsar of Russia.
• It was originally designed by the well-known architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
• The church has 1,300 seats.

Where is Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)?

The Helsinki Cathedral is situated in the locality of Kruununhaka in Helsinki. The cathedral is located at a distance of about 20 kms from the Helsinki airport.

Best time to visit Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

The best time to visit the Helsinki Cathedral is during the summer.

Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church) Hours

The Helsinki Cathedral opens on all days from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

More on Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

Nearby Attractions: Suurkirkko, Senate Square, Lutheran Cathedral, Fantasiapelit Tudeer Oy, and Varsapuisto.

Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church) Map

Facts about Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

• The work of building the Vanha Kirkko located in Helsinki started in the 1820s.
• The construction of Vanha Kirkko was completed in 1826.
• The church has 1,200 seats.
• German architect Carl Ludvig Engel designed the church.

Where is Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)?

The Vanha Kirkko is located in Bulevardi in Helsinki. The church is located at a distance of around 16.4 km from the Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. You can reach the church via tram, bus or taxi.

Best time to visit Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

Visit Helsinki in summer to avoid cold waves of the winter season.

Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church) Hours

The Vanha Kirkko opens from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm from Mondays to Fridays.

More on Vanha Kirkko (Helsinki Old Church)

Nearby Attractions: Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Uspenski Cathedral, Ateneum, Amos Anderson Art Museum, and Kaupunginmuseo.