Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral's white neoclassical walls and five green domes dominate Senate Square's skyline. From its steps, you can see across downtown Helsinki while twelve zinc apostle statues watch from above. Inside, sunlight streams through tall windows onto the 1967 Marcussen & Son organ, and you'll find Carl Timoleon von Neff's 19th-century altar painting depicting Christ's descent from the cross. More than 500,000 people visit this Lutheran cathedral annually to attend multilingual services, listen to organ recitals, or explore its Greek cross layout.

Architectural Design

The cathedral's Greek cross layout creates four identical arms extending from a central square. Each facade has six Corinthian columns reaching 20 meters high, supporting pediments decorated with religious reliefs. The central dome rises 80 meters above sea level. The twelve zinc statues of the apostles on the roof pediments form one of the world's largest collections of zinc sculptures in a single location.

Inside the Cathedral

Natural light fills the white interior through high windows, illuminating three key elements. The main altar holds Carl Timoleon von Neff's painting of Christ's descent from the cross - a gift from Emperor Nicholas I. You'll find three statues representing Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, and Mikael Agricola (who translated the New Testament into Finnish). The Marcussen & Son organ, with its 57 stops, fills the space during concerts and services.

Visiting Information

Enter through the main doors on Unioninkatu between 9 AM and 6 PM daily, with extended hours until midnight in summer (June-August). If you need wheelchair access, use the Cathedral Crypt entrance at Kirkkokatu 18. During summer, English-speaking guides conduct tours on weekdays. You can arrange private tours by emailing [email protected]. While admission is free, suggested donations are €5 in winter and €8 in summer.

Religious Services and Events

Join Sunday services at 10 AM, which include communion, or attend evening organ recitals at 8 PM during summer months. The cathedral holds daily prayers at noon, communion services on Thursdays, and organ recitals on Wednesdays. In summer, you can learn about the cathedral's history and architecture during Tuesday morning English presentations. The calendar includes Finland's national Saint Lucy's Day celebrations in December and regular classical music concerts throughout the year.