Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cost and Hours:
Free; Mon-Fri 9:30-16:00, Sat 9:30-14:00, Sun
12:00-15:00, Kanavakatu 1.
Visiting the Cathedral:
The uppermost “onion dome” represents the “sac-
red heart of Jesus,” while the smaller ones represent the hearts of the 12
apostles.Thecathedral'sinteriorisapotentiallyemotionaliconexperience.Its
rich images are a stark contrast to the sober Lutheran Cathedral. While com-
monly called the “Russian church,” the cathedral is actually Finnish Ortho-
dox, answering to the patriarch in Constantinople (Istanbul). Much of eastern
Finland (parts of the Karelia region) is Finnish Orthodox.
The cathedral's Orthodox Mass is beautiful, with a standing congregation,
candles, incense, icons in action, priests behind the iconostasis (screen), and
timeless music (human voices only—no instruments). In the front left corner,
find the icon featuring the Madonna and child, surrounded by rings and jew-
elry (under glass), given in thanks for prayers answered. Across from the icon
is a white marble table with candle holes and a dish of wheat seeds, represent-
ing recent deaths. Wheat seeds symbolize that death is not the end, but just a
change.
Though the cathedral is worthwhile, the one in Tallinn is even nicer, so
skip this one if you're visiting both cities and short on time.
▲▲Lutheran Cathedral
—With its prominent green dome, gleaming white
facade,andthe12apostlesoverlookingthecityandharbor,thischurchisCarl
Ludvig Engel's masterpiece.
Cost and Hours:
Free; June-Aug Mon-Sat 9:00-24:00, Sun 12:00-24:00;
Sept-May Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-18:00; sometimes closes for
events; on Senate Square,
www.helsinginseurakunnat.fi
.
In summer, free or-
gan concerts are held on Sundays at 20:00.
Visiting the Cathedral:
Finished in 1852, the interior is pure architectural
truth. Open a pew gate and sit, surrounded by the saints of Protestantism,
to savor Neoclassical nirvana. Physically, this church is perfectly Protest-
ant—austere and unadorned—with the emphasis on preaching (prominent
pulpit) and music (huge organ). Statuary is limited to the local Reformation
big shots: Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon (Luther's Reformation
sidekick), and the leading Finnish reformer, Mikael Agricola. A follower of
