By: E Cat
Nine out of ten people who travel to Finland go for the Northern Lights or to visit Santa Claus, but when you’ve made the long journey all the way to Northern Europe, why not take the chance to check out the region’s unique churches?
When it comes to churches, the most famous in Helsinki is undoubtedly the Cathedral next to the University of Helsinki. The church features a Russian architectural style dominated by white, exuding the solemnity typical of Eastern European churches. Surprisingly, the square in front of the cathedral isn’t as crowded as you might expect, so photography enthusiasts can choose any angle and shoot to their heart’s content.
Another must-visit church in Helsinki is the Uspenski Cathedral, located near the Cathedral. Compared to the Cathedral, Uspenski offers a completely different feel. It is designed in the Byzantine style, complemented by its dark red exterior, giving it the appearance of an ancient castle. Since the church is built on a small hill, visitors must first walk up a steep path—but it’s worth the effort to witness its charm. By the way, there’s also a Lover’s Bridge beneath the church, where couples can go and lock a love padlock.
As for the most unique one, it’s actually neither of the two traditional churches mentioned above, but rather a small and unassuming church—the Rock Church. From the outside, this church looks just like a large bunker, and for good reason—it was indeed built inside a massive rock. Once you step inside, a whole new world unfolds. At first glance, the interior resembles a classical music concert hall, with a glass dome above to let in natural light. Sitting inside, the natural light streams down from above, and the excellent acoustics from the rock walls amplify the sound of the organ. It’s impossible to imagine the sense of solemn serenity without being there in person. It’s said that the excellent sound reflection from the rock walls is so good that locals in Helsinki often hold concerts here.
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