CATHEDRAL

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 Originally made of wood, it was partly destroyed during the fire of 23 May 1822 that ravaged the city.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