One of the most famous and exciting landmarks in Helsinki is the Temppeliaukio Church. This extraordinary beauty temple is located in a rock and covered with a copper dome, which makes it one of the most original in Northern Europe. The structure underlines one of the main features of Finland - a combination of breathtaking nature and highly developed modern technology.
History of appearance
They wanted to build a church on this site more than a thousand years ago. However, due to the ongoing wars, as well as several architectural competitions, its construction was postponed for more than half a century: the construction of the temple began only in 1968. The brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen became its architects. It was they who decided to make an artificial depression in the rock and cover it with copper wire. Thanks to the simplicity of this idea, Temppeliaukio was ready in just a year.
However, the public perceived the church in the rock ambiguously. The people wanted to see a building of a traditional character, so for a long time they did not accept the temple, calling it an "anti-devil bunker" and painting its walls with graffiti in protest.
In addition, the project was accused of being expensive, although less money was spent on its creation than planned: in those years, such sums were spent on building a regular school.
The progressive architects of Europe appreciated the church, but compatriots began to accept it only at the beginning of this century. Today Temppeliaukio is one of the most visited places in Helsinki, with about half a million visitors a year.
What can be seen in the temple
The building itself is barely visible from the outside: only a copper dome is visible above the rock. Inside, the underground temple is made of massive granite and has stone walls, which gives the impression of being in a real cave. The dome and walls are connected by 180 windows, through which daylight enters the room.
The entire majestic exterior can be viewed from above from the balcony. The combination of natural and artificial materials amazes not only ordinary citizens, but also experienced architects and true connoisseurs of beauty.
It often hosts concerts of classical music, as Temppeliaukio is famous for its incredible acoustics. A huge organ is installed on the left side, which is the pride of the temple.
This place is also known for its "metal masses", during which traditional church songs are performed under heavy rock or heavy metal. At the entrance to the building, you can see the schedule of planned events that Finnish youth likes to attend.
Divine service
In addition to concerts, services are held daily in the church. The services are held in Finnish and English. Lutheran liturgy can often be heard here, church parishioners often sing along with the choir. During the service, the temple is closed to tourists.
This building is also interesting because there are no traditional bells calling for service. Instead of them, speakers play, from which the music of the Finnish composer Taneli Kuusisto is heard.
Useful information for tourists
The map shows that the church is located in the central area of the city of Helsinki. From the station, you can walk to it or take the 3T tram (get off at Sammonkatu station), as well as bus 15A (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu stop). The exact address of the temple is Lutherinkatu, 3.
Entry to Temppeliaukio is free. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year. So, in the summer season, you can visit the church from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 20:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday, the temple is open from 10:00 to 17:45, and on Sunday from 11:45 to 17:45. Opening hours in the winter from Monday to Saturday: from 10 am to 5 pm, and from 11:45 to 17:00 on Sundays.
Finally
Temppeliaukio is an exquisite attraction that you can't miss while in Helsinki. This is a place of amazing architecture, which emphasizes the pristine and natural beauty of the surrounding nature, and the monumentalism and originality of modern technologies. The majestic atmosphere, powerful acoustics and sacred setting will impress any visitor.
