How to visit Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki: schedule

When you travel to a country that is not close to yours, it is very likely that you will have a great lack of knowledge about its history.

This is what I have seen in myself trip to helsinki, where I discovered that the city was founded by the Swedes in the 16th century, and what is now Finland It was under the rule of said Nordic neighbor until the beginning of the 19th century.

At that time, after a war in 1809, Finland became dominated by Russian empire, and specifically, for the Tsar Alexander II, under the title of Grand Duke of Finland.

Curiosities history orthodox cathedral of Helsinki

The most striking reflection of russian domain What are you going to see when you arrive today on a sightseeing trip to Helsinki is, without a doubt, the imposing Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral.

The center of political and religious power in Helsinki is located in the Senate Square, In full Tori neighborhood, very close to the city's port, where the Market Square and Town Hall.

And in bliss Senate Square the great tower rises imposingly Neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral, one of the main iconic images of the city of Helsinki.

But very close, next to the port, at the top of the hill in a small park, is where you will see the aforementioned orthodox cathedral.

I can tell you that the imposing building will surely attract your attention due to the colorful red of its brick structure, its green roofs and the golden domes.

In the panoramic view of both monuments from the port, you will surely be struck by the great aesthetic contrast that exists between them.

And that despite the fact that both cathedrals They were built at the same time as the dominion of the aforementioned Tsar Alexander II, who promoted the development of Helsinki as new capital of Finland.

In particular, the Uspenski Cathedral, designed by a Russian architect, was completed in 1868, while the large white-fronted neoclassical building, which is the Lutheran cathedral, had been completed just 15 years earlier.

The architectural design of the Uspenski Cathedral combines eastern and western influences.

Its façade follows the Slavic tradition, but when you visit its interior, you discover a single nave that is a great example of byzantine style.

But, above all, you should know that it is considered the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

I recognize that in view of the two cathedrals, the one that architecturally seems much more attractive to me is the orthodoxThat of Uspensky, especially at dusk, when due to its orientation, its façade stands out with a very attractive reddish color.

Which will be your favorite?

Uspenski Cathedral visit schedule in Helsinki

The Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral visiting hours They are, from Tuesday to Friday, from 9,30:16 a.m. to 9,30 p.m.: Saturdays, from 14:12 a.m. to 15 p.m.; and on Sundays, from XNUMX to XNUMX p.m.

Admission is free and the cathedral is closed on Mondays.