Finland Guide
Helsinki and the south
Tuomiokirkko
Opening time: June– Aug daily 9am– midnight; Sept– May Mon– Sat 9am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm
Address: Senate Square
The exquisite form of the Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral) is raised on granite steps that support it like a pedestal. Designed by Carl Engel, its construction was overseen by him until his death in 1840, before being finally completed, with a few variations, in 1852. Among the post-Engel additions are the statues of the twelve apostles that line the roof, which may seem familiar if you've visited Copenhagen: they're copies of Thorvaldsen's sculptures for Vor Frue Kirke. After the Neoclassical extravagances of the exterior, the spartan Lutheran interior comes as a disappointment; better is the gloomily atmospheric crypt, which is now used as a café (June– Aug Mon– Sat 11am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm; entrance on Kirkkokatu).