The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Finland

A monument created as part of "Helsinki World Design Capital 2012", by architects K2S Oy, representing Finnish innovation in wood construction. Located opposite the Kamppi shopping center, this chapel offers a striking space for meditation in a district teeming with life and activity. The special light that bathes this space contributes to the charm of the site. The ideal place to take a break.

Built in 1868, the Orthodox rite cathedral is a superb example of the Byzantine-Slavic style. From the esplanade, the view is breathtaking. It was built according to the plans of the architect A.M. Gornoschtaev. At the time, two distinct notables' cultures coexisted: Swedish-speaking Finns and Russian notables. As for the Finnish-speaking population, which was the majority, it gradually imposed its views at the end of the 19th century. It remains the most important Greek Orthodox church in Western Europe and is still standing.

The oldest part dates back to the 11th century, but the cathedral was destroyed several times by the Great Wars and was renovated in the 18th century. Under the ground of the cathedral and in its courtyard many inhabitants were buried until 1789. The church of Porvoo became a cathedral in 1723. If from the outside it doesn't look like much, the interior is sober and really beautiful. Note the presence of a tall ship suspended towards the nave, on the right. It is said to have been offered by the fishermen, to pray for them.

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 Originally made of wood, it was partly destroyed during the fire of 23 May 1822 that ravaged the city.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.

Inaugurated in 2005, Turku's magnificent ecumenical chapel is located in the Hirvensaloet district and was designed by Matti Sanaksenaho. The altarpiece, doors and pews are the work of Kain Tapper while the stained glass windows were painted by Hannu Konola. Initially built for patients of the nearby hospital, it eventually became ecumenical. Thus, Lutherans, Catholics, Orthodox, Adventists, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, the Free Church and the Salvation Army can use it. Art exhibitions, concerts and other events.

The medieval cathedral (a rare sight in Finland that deserves to be highlighted!) of Saint-Matthieu dates from the end of the 15th century. Note the admirably preserved ancient mural paintings, representing the history of mankind but also scenes from everyday life. Next door, a pleasant walk in the park-cemetery. As a matter of fact, the church was granted the status of a cathedral in 2004, when the diocese of Espoo was separated from the diocese of Helsinki.

In Helsinki's former working-class district, at the top of the hill (or rock, hence the name kallio), the church designed by Lars Sonck between 1908 and 1912 gives a good insight into the romantic national school and the influence of Art Nouveau in the city's architecture. Lars Sonck (1870-1956) is an architect who designed among others the Ainola residence of Jean Sibelius, the cathedral of Tampere, the Mikael Agricole church (not far from the district in Punavuori)...

With its twin 74-metre-high spires, this neo-Gothic Lutheran church, built between 1888 and 1893, is the largest in the city. Renowned for its acoustics, it hosts a number of concerts. The Divine Revelation was painted by Eero Järnefelt, brother-in-law of Jean Sibelius. The church takes its name in part from the hill on which it was built, a place that has traditionally been the site of Midsummer fires for centuries.

Located behind the Lutheran cathedral, the small Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity is also Engel's work (like the palace of the Council of State, the library and the main building of the university...). More intimate and secret than Uspenski, the church is a real little jewel with its beautiful old icons and its typical gilding. In this small space, the masses take place in a magical atmosphere, probably due to the smoke of incense.

Built in 1826 according to Carl Ludvig Engel's plans, this white wooden church has all the characteristics of the Engelian style: Doric pillars, high windows and a central cupola. Renowned for the quality of its organs still in use, especially during spiritual concerts, it remains one of the favourite places of worship for newlyweds. A plaque on its portal recalls that in 1710 two thirds of Helsinki's population died of the plague.

Built by J. Stenbäck at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was built in the Käppärä cemetery opened in 1884. Juselius, a city industrialist, commissioned the mausoleum in memory of his only child, his daughter Sigrid Juselius, who died at the age of 11. Construction began in 1901 and was completed two years later. The frescoes in the mausoleum are the work of Aleksis Gallèn-Kallela and were restored by his son. It's a nice visit if you're around.

The neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral - Tuomiokirkko - built between 1806 and 1815 in exposed granite stone, is the seat of the Kuopio Diocese. It is set in a beautiful park and dominates the whole area. A little further on, you can also admire a second Orthodox cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, with its beautiful red brick façade and green roof, which blends in perfectly with the nearby garden.