The most beautiful religious buildings Oulu

This Lutheran cathedral was originally built in 1777 as a tribute to King Gustav III of Sweden. Originally made of wood, it was partly destroyed during the fire of 23 May 1822 that ravaged the city. Rebuilt after the fire, its pale yellow exterior and the 17th century portraits it contains make it a jewel of northern Finland's sacred art. The church was made an official cathedral in 1900, when the bishopric was transferred from Kuopio to Oulu. It is the ecclesiastical centre of Northern Finland.

This beautiful wooden church was built in 1726. Its special feature is that its walls and ceiling were painted by Emanuel Grandberg, a local painter. One can especially admire his remarkable interpretation of hell, which can be seen above the entrance of the church. Also admire the Kalevala monument on the gate. A little further on, on Kirkkokatu 19, you will see another Lutheran church, in neo-gothic style, completed in 1897 according to the plans of the architect Jacob Ahrenberg. See in particular the altarpiece by the artist Tuhkanen.