How to visit and what to see in the Lutheran Cathedral, Helsinki's iconic image

If you have to associate the image of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, to some prominent monument, it must undoubtedly be that of his lutheran cathedral.

The first thing you should know is that Helsinki It has two cathedrals, that is, two large churches that are also very close.

You can clearly see both buildings when you arrive at the port on a cruise ship.

To the east of your view you will find the Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral, which is distinguished by the striking red color of the bricks with which the building has been built, and the green color of the domes.

This is a cathedral that clearly symbolizes the historical Russian rule of Finland, which ended after the Russian Revolution.

What is the White Cathedral of Helsinki like?

However, the Lutheran church has a completely different image.

Also known as the White Cathedral for his also very striking white facade, stands majestically on the north side of the very wide and pedestrian Senate Square, the monumental center of Helsinki.

Located on a hill, in the development plan that was once commissioned by the German architect carl engel For the construction of the urban complex of the aforementioned square, the new cathedral was going to acquire a great role.

The building of the Helsinki Cathedral It was built between 1830 and 1952 in neoclassical architectural style, and following the trend marked by the Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, which had been built in 1811.

Initially it was baptized as Church of San Nicolás, in homage to the Russian tsar Nicholas I, but after the departure of the Russians from Finland, it became known as the Great Cathedral.

Finally, it was in the middle of the 20th century when it became the Helsinki Cathedral.

La cathedral You will be able to see it from many places in Helsinki, given its elevated location, and it is the monument that will indicate that once you reach the capital of Finland If you do it on board a boat Baltic cruise.

This is what a visit to Helsinki Cathedral looks like: what to see (our experience)

When you reach the Senate Square, you will surely be impressed by its imposing figure at the top of a large staircase, crowned with a large dome.

The pedestrian configuration of the square, in the center of which you find the statue dedicated to the Russian tsar Alexander II, enhances the image of the cathedral and its great color white.

On the outside you will be struck by the sculptures of the 12 Apostless that are distributed across the roof of the very white building.

When you go in to visit it, you will see that it is a much smaller building than you could imagine.

With a plan in the shape of a Greek cross, there are very few notable architectural or artistic elements in its interior, which shows great austerity.

Thus, you can see an altarpiece that was donated at the time Nicholas I, with the theme of the burial of Christ. And little else other than a pulpit and a large modern organ.

At cathedral crypt Events are usually held, such as exhibitions or concerts.

Visiting hours of Helsinki Cathedral

Here you can consult the Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral visiting hours, which vary depending on the time of year.

For the visit you have to pay an entrance fee whose price It is 8 and 10 euros, depending on the time of year.

Before your visit, you should know that there is a concert and event program which take place in the crypt of the cathedral.

Photos of Helsinki Cathedral

Here you have more photos of Helsinki Cathedral.