If you follow us on Instagram (InStitches2013) you’ll know we were in Helsinki recently(en route to Kussamo, but that’s another story for another day) and we had a busy couple of days exploring this design capital of the north. There’s lots to show you, so this week you’ll be treated to 2 blogs (because someone, naming no names, forgot to post this one last week....)
We’re starting off with four Finnish churches.
We’re starting off with four Finnish churches.
In Senate Square, dominating the skyline from land or sea, is the quietly restrained Lutheran Helsinki Cathedral.
You’d be forgiven for walking straight past the next one, The Rock Church (Temppeliaukion kirkko) is below street level as it’s hewn out of the rock. It doesn’t look impressive at all from the outside but once you have heaved open the solid brass doors the transformation is quite amazing.
Rising above the rough rock walls hangs the copper dome, which reflects the light from narrow slatted sky-lights.
At the far end of the aesthetic scale is the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral. Situated at the far end of the harbour on a small hill it’s onion domes rise above the skyline. Highly ornate with much gilt decoration it has the most beautiful star studded domed ceiling.
Finally, the newest and simplest church is the aptly named Peace Chapel sited just off Simonkatu. Sitting on the edge of the square this modern day ark is constructed from Finnish woods and at night seems to glows. Stepping inside the silent egg shaped interior you leave behind the bustle of modern day life.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this short stroll around Helsinki’s churches, if you’d like to see more of our visit why not subscribe to our blog (there’s a link over in the side bar) and they’ll be delivered straight into your inbox.
Thanks for reading
Hazel & Terry
Thanks for reading
Hazel & Terry
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