Top 10 Interesting Facts about Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral. Author Lauren Stevens. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki. The cathedral is located in the neighbourhood of Kruununhaka in the centre of Helsinki, Finland at Senate Square.

The cathedral was a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It was originally built from 1830 to 1852.

The cathedral was originally known as St Nicholas’s Church. The name was changed in 1917, after the independence of Finland.

The cathedral is a major landmark of the city. It is one of the most famous structures in Finland.

In this article, we learn the Top 10 Interesting Facts about Helsinki Cathedral, a building with a remarkable story to tell.

1. It was Built on the Location of a Former 17th-century Church

Helsinki Cathedral.Author Rob Koster.WIKIMEDIA

Helsinki Cathedral was built on the site of a smaller church. The church was known as Ulrika Eleonora Church (Helsinki).

The church was between 1724 to 1727. This small church was dedicated to Ulrika Eleonora, Queen of Sweden (1688-1741).

Another church nearby referred to as “Helsinki Old Church” was completed between 1824 and 1826. It served as the main church in the city until Helsinki Cathedral was completed.

2. The Cathedral was Constructed in Honor of the Russian Emperor

The Grand Duchy of Finland was established in 1809. Moreover, it served as an autonomous region within the Russian Empire.

At the time that the cathedral was constructed, Helsinki was the capital city of the Duchy of Finland. a title it had received in 1812.

Thus, the cathedral was a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. The Russian Tsar had started the building project.

The cathedral was named the Nicholas Church for Nicholas I as well as for St Nicholas. After independence, the name was changed to Suurkirkko in Finnish (Storkyrkan in Swedish), the Great Church.

 In 1959, when the Diocese of Helsinki was formed. The name was changed to Helsinki Cathedral.

3. The building was Designed by a Renowned German Architect

Helsinki Cathedral was designed by Carl Ludvig Egel as the climax of his Senate Square layout. The cathedral is surrounded by other smaller buildings designed by Egel.

Helsinki Cathedral’s plan is a Greek cross. A square Centre and four equilateral arms. Each arm’s façade features a colonnade and pediment.

Engel’s original plan was to place a further row of columns on the western end. This was to mark the main entrance opposite the eastern altar. However, this was never built. However, his original plan of Engel was later altered by his successor Ernst Lohrmann.

4. Helsinki Cathedral is Adjoined by Two Side Buildings

Helsinki Cathedral.Author John Samuel.WIKIMEDIA

After the death of main architect Carl Ludvig Engel in 1840. He was succeeded by his German colleague Ernst Lohrmann.

Ernst Lohrmann altered with original plan Engel. Apart from making small changes to the design, he designed two additional buildings. These stand on the sides of the steps of Senate Square.

The western pavilion is the Cathedral’s clock tower and is used as parish premises. The bells are housed on the clock tower’s top floor and are used for events at the Cathedral. The East Pavilion became a chapel.

5. The Cathedral’s Domes were Inspired by Other Cathedrals’ Models

The cathedral’s domes were modelled on those of other Cathedrals. Lohrmann kept the general design of the church but integrated a couple of new elements.

 The four domes that adjoin the stunning main dome of the building were his idea. Just like his predecessor, he was inspired by architecture from the Russian Empire which incorporates an abundance of Neoclassical elements.

The four small domes design emphasizes the architectural connection to the other cathedral’s models. These were Saint Isaac’s Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg

6. The Structure Took more than Two Decades to be Completed

Helsinki_Cathedral.Author. Lauren Stevens. WIKIMEDIA

The construction of the Helsinki Cathedral began in 1830. Nevertheless, it was inaugurated only in 1852. The construction cost one million rubles. This was a large amount at that time.

The construction of Helsinki Cathedral was not smooth. At one point, it was even feared that the cathedral would fall when a crack appeared in the eastern wall.

7. The Roofline is Decorated with Sculptures of the 12 Apostles

Helsinki Cathedral. Author Suicasmo.WIKIMEDIA

The roofline of Helsinki Cathedral is decorated with 12 statues of the twelve apostles. It was decided to add the statues after the death of architect Engel.

The sculptures were cast in zinc in Berlin and brought to Finland in three batches in 1847-48. Some of the sculptures were ordered from the Berlin sculptor, academician August Wredow.

The rest of the statues were ordered by the young Berlin sculptor Hermann Schvievelbein. The altarpiece was painted by Carl Timoleon von Neff and donated to the church by Emperor Nicholas I.Theyy were placed in their places in 1850.

8. The Vaulted Rooms under the Cathedral are called the Crypt

Helsinki Cathedral Crypt was originally built as a basement with heating equipment and log cellars. Amazingly, the earthen floored cellars were empty for more than a hundred years.

However, the Crypt was renovated from 1972 to 1973. This was according to plans drawn by architect Tarja-Salmio Toiviainen.

Additionally, during the extensive renovation of the Cathedral building, the Crypt was further improved. The Crypt acquired a new altarpiece, a painting by artist Carolus Enckell, and new paraments designed by textile artist Päikki Priha.

Today, the Crypt is a meeting place for the parish, hosting services, concerts and exhibitions. In the summertime, the Crypt is home to a summer café and art exhibitions

9. The Organ’s Facade was Designed by Ernst Lohrmann

The Cathedral’s first organ was built by the German E.F. Walcker. However, the Organ’s facade was designed by Lohrmann.

The first organ concert was held in Helsinki Cathedral in March 1847. Nevertheless, the instrument was not formally used until 1850.

The current main organ has 57 stops. It was manufactured by the Danish company Marcussen and Son in 1967. The organ (16+1 stops) in the Crypt, also made in 2006, was made by Martti Porthan.

10. The Cathedral is one of Helsinki’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Helsinki Cathedral is seen from Helsinki Senate Square. Author Vadelmavene. WIKIMEDIA

The cathedral is well established by local and foreign visitors. Today, half a million visitors visit Helsinki Cathedral every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Outside, the 43 stairs are famous to many Helsinki dwellers and tourists as a perfect hangout and sunbathing spot during the summer. The square in front of this church also adds extra beauty.

 However, the cathedral is in regular use for services of worship and special events such as weddings.