Very unique church with excellent acoustics and 360 degree lighting from the slit windows in the ceiling. We happened to arrive when a contemporary concern was in process. The artists used historical instruments combined with classical base and piano for a fascinating performant that reminded me of a forest walk in the rain. read more

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This place looks beautiful and interesting from the inside but they do charge you an admission fee to go inside. There's not a lot to do inside honestly since it's a functioning church. You can soak in the atmosphere for like 10 minutes and then you should be good to go. The walk to the church was quite steep at parts so keep that in mind, especially during the winter season when there's snow and rocks on the ground. read more

The Rock Church has interesting architecture and is quite unique. That said, while it is included in many tours, it is perhaps not as much of a true must-see in Helsinki as other sites are, beyond its general novelty. read more

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Beautiful church in Helsinki. Many tourists and the price to get in is kind of expensive for a church, but really beautiful attraction and the architecture is super cool. read more

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Worth a stop if you happen to be Helsinki - this place was gorgeous! It's essentially a church that's built into a rock. The ceiling is impressive, and the way the light enters is really cool. They still conduct church services here, so there are only certain times when they allow visitors. Was really neat to hear the organ in action too. There's a small entrance fee, but it was worth it. read more

Temppeliaukion kirkko - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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Interior of the church built into rock, as of July 2023. Stunning copper roof. Entry fee required. read more

Temppeliaukion kirkko - Copper dome roof - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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This was my second visit to the "rock church" and I don't recall it feeling as touristy and noisy as it was this time. It felt more like an attraction with people taking selfies than a place of worship. I get that the entrance fee helps with upkeep and operations but I was still expecting a peaceful/reflection vibe once inside like you find at other famous cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, etc. the church is about a 10-15 minute walk from the esplanade and hustle of downtown Helsinki and the entrance fee is five euro per person. The famous design of the church is known for looking like it was built into nature, partially-underground with a living room, wood, stone and glass to bring in the natural light. I appreciate the simple interior that features an upper and lower level, organ, simple pews and a lack of relics. Overall, worth a visit. My only hope is that they can find a way to restore it to a place of reflection and peaceful vibe for visitors and locals alike. read more

Holy Olaf! Churchin For Stone Gnomes? You Betcha! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/temppeliaukion-kirkko-helsinki?select=u2L85BebCAq2mWSKzEGdKQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w SITREP A church made all out of rock? Darn Tootin! Arriving in Finland reveals many wonders to us, not the least of which is The Stone Church - the beautiful and elegant Temppeliaukion kirkko - which is actually carved out of the rock in the hillside here in Helsinki, Finland. Many of the church walls feature the uncut nature of the natural surroundings. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/temppeliaukion-kirkko-helsinki?select=QSUUIQ4AkoPCgMHt6QM75A&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w Being around this extended many fantasies in my head revolving around J.R.R. Tokien's "Lord of the Rings" and from Disneys "Frozen", all involving rock creatures and their amazing residences and dens. THE SETUP Our guide buddy Paulo included this on his itinerary for us to take in (which included a cool purple church-wrist band, like the ones you have to put on to prove that you are over 21 before hitting the dance floor in a club - *oonze oonze oonze* "Hallelujah! Rock that Rock Organ!"). The Rock Church is a member of the Lutheran Church fellowship and conducts religious ceremonies and still provides services for it's active membership here in Helsinki. SOME HISTORY For additional historical context, after World War II, Timo & Tuomo Suomalainen - two architect brothers - provided the plans for The Rock Church's design. Flash-Forward to today, and The Rock Church has become one of Helsinki's most sought after tourist sites (Indeed! Just look at our group!). DECOR The color schemes and interior decor are all quite entertaining, from the pews to the walls to the floors to the windows. Purple is definitely the predominant color here and it makes sense: purple is a color of majesty, and also reflects the divinity of Christ. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/temppeliaukion-kirkko-helsinki?select=KU1AzVWAjyugJOID0TLFHQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w And look up? You see a GIANT COPPER DISH: this makes for amazing acoustics inside this worship space, especially during musical performances which are amplified. THE LOWDOWN A "must-see" stop when in Helsinki, Finland! read more

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There's a short list of things to see in Helsinki, most of which don't cost very much, are free of charge, or have free days. Specifically, there were four architecturally significant places of worship I wanted to see. This was one of the two I actually went into, and the one I liked the most. The other was the Russian Orthodox (Uspenski) Cathedral, not far from the main cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral, which is placed atop a very long flight of steps such that it seemingly presides over the harbor. It is Temppeliaukion kirkko, also known as the "Rock Church" for simplicity's sake. In a way, I found this slightly humorous because words like harvest, bounty, friendship, journey, and, yes, even rock are found quite often across America as names for nondenominational evangelical MAGA-megachurches. Rest assured that, here, the "Rock Church" is about this unique church being chiseled and built into a large preexisting outcropping of granite. Because it is low slung and the entrance is small and recessed, it looks like it might be a small church. It is larger than it may seem once inside, but could be considered a medium-sized church. Inside, Temppeliaukion kirkko is impressive and has a good feel about it. Its denomination is Lutheran, as might be expected in Finland, but its interior is largely devoid of specific religious references. Its roof is a bowl-like shaped copper dome, into which angled windows are placed beneath it and hold up the dome via the window framing around the circumference. This makes for plenty of light inside, regardless of the weather outside. The walls below the windows are of exposed rock. To one side is an impressive pipe organ. The organ, the pews, and other areas also feature exacting woodwork. It's a tough church to pin down in terms of when it was built, initially thinking it would have been the '70s or '80s. It was opened in 1969. Most of the seating is on the main floor, and it is padded, with some seating on an upper level that resembles a theater balcony. Both levels' seating is angled, making for even more dynamic views of the interior, none of which are quite the same. Be sure to see, and sit on, both levels. If expecting to be vowed with "flash" factor, this isn't going to work for you. If you want to soak in craftsmanship, silence, and a reflective atmosphere, it will work for you. Its understated affect makes it 180 degrees from anything that is "holy roller" in nature. Thank God for that. The entrance fee was 5 Euro. The ticketing and information area are interestingly placed under the balcony and close to the entrance. To round out discussing the city's major churches that would appeal to tourists, Uspenski Russian Orthodox Cathedral is free of charge. If you can manage the flight of steps, or want to, I'm sure that the big white Helsinki Cathedral on its hill is impressive. (Many exterior surfaces were icy that day.) Lastly, the very unique - maybe even quirky - and newer Chapel of Silence in the Kamppi district was closed while I was there. The convenient and clean Metro does not travel that close to the "Rock Church." You can walk the rest of the way. If you want to get closer to it on transit, one of the excellent tram lines that interface with the Metro will work. read more

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A highlight on our insipid visit to Finland was this beautiful Lutheran church in Helsinki. But, this isn't any ordinary-looking house of worship as this circular gem is built into actual solid granite. Not only is it gorgeous, but the acoustics are supposedly really good, though we didn't get to hear any testament of it. The interior walls are a mix of smooth and rough-chopped textures in a natural blend of rust, white and dark colors. The domed roof is another stunning piece of architecture Seamlessly attached to to the granite walls. Rising like a miniature domed stadium, the copper top is encircled with beams and skylights providing for lots of natural light that shines over the tiered pews and organ below. This was a rare instance where my spouse and I went along with a group of cruise ship passengers rather than doing a private tour, so I have no idea what the ticket price was as they were included in the excursion package. I'm also very disappointed in myself for not taking any pics as I was not a photo bug or crazy Yelper back in 2011. Sigh... OVERALL: Definitely a must-see as the rest of Helsinki was a snoozer, sorry to say. read more

Do you like Frank Lloyd Wright!?! Do you marvel at the amalgamation of creativity, function and appeal? Are you a builder or someone who is a builder, Mason or the like? If the answer is yes to any of the above, just go. Don't overthink the travel pamphlet perusal, don't fret that you might miss something else (I did-- the museum) or handwring that peeling yourself away from the cruise ship troughs of food might not be a good thing....suck it up and go. The structure is to behold. The melding of stone, concrete and copper is stupendous. The use of French drains to preempt the obvious issues with water trickle, was one thing; but having that water course under the floor to create a sound effect was creative genius. Thoughtful approach to lighting and copper was appreciated and added to the marvel. To get there, take the number 2 Tram and there are a couple of stops that get you super close. Get ready as soon as you pass the museum, it's coming up. read more

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Temppeliaukion kirkko or Rock church is a phenomenal acoustic venue. The church denomination is Evangelical Lutheran. Built between 1968- 1969 and consecrated in 1969, the church was blasted and chiseled out of granite that once rose 40' above street level. The church was designed by the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. It has a seating capacity of 750 and also serves as venue for concerts. The copper dome is abutted by glass panels that allow a profusion of natural light to enter. The walls a chiseled granite that support the glass panels and copper dome. The baptismal font benefits from the natural drainage of ground water. There is chair and cushioned bench seating with excellent viewing as the altar area is raised. The entrance fee is 3 Euros (18 years +) others are free. Entrance is also free with a Helsinki card. Check their schedule for a concert of service and enjoy a totally unique acoustic experience. TIP: 1) You can get a ticket by text messaging Finish Sim, buy a ticket via the church web page or pay 3 Euros at the church entrance. 2) Transportation is available via Bus 14, 18, 37, 39, 41, 42, 69, 70, Tram 1, 2, or Metro Kamppi. read more

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This very beautiful and unique "stone church" is built into the rock in Helsinki. While the church itself is very small and really just a tourist attraction, it is a worth a visit for its incredibly unique architecture and beautiful acoustics. When we visited there was a musical group performing and it was amazing to sit a few moments and listen. There is a small entrance fee along with a small gift shop. It is walking distance from the city center, but a bus tour might get you closer. Worth a short visit when you are in Helsinki! read more

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Frank Lloyd Wright would have been a decade gone by the time this unique church opened in 1969, although I'm certain he would approve of the architecture since it so aligns with Wright's prairie style because the low-style building complements the surrounding rock formations quite naturally (photo: http://bit.ly/29nPWPC). The interior was excavated and built directly out of the rock itself and a skylight surrounding the center copper dome (photo: http://bit.ly/29bdZvO) offers natural light, emphasizing the innate connection between the interior and nature. We were on our way back to the Scandic Park Hotel where we were staying, and I had just remembered from the tour book that this church was on the way in the Töölö neighborhood. It's rather hidden in a residential area but once you see the rocks, you know you've come upon it. Jamie W. and I entered through the front door where we could see the purple seat cushions on the pews (photo: http://bit.ly/29f5N1C). We sat a spell and listened to the recorded music which wafted through the acoustics of the expansive space. It's definitely most worthwhile seeking in Helsinki. read more

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An absolutely beautiful place and seemed to encapsulate the stark beauty and stoic nature of the region. I've been in many churches, cathedrals and other places of worship, but this was absolutely unique. Modern and yet timeless. Underground and yet light pours in from skylights surrounding the copper dome and the pews have bright magenta pops of color. Temppeliaukio (aka Church of the Rock) is nestled in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the central, downtown area (about a 10 minute walk from the train station). During the summer months it is absolutely overrun with tourists, so you need to be a bit patient. The church can seat around 750, and is roughly 1/4 the size of the originally proposed design. I thought the most beautiful interior views are from the second story balcony. However, my favorite experience was to walk around the large natural granite structure outside. Just an absolute masterpiece of engineering and design and I love that it is surrounded by colorful seven and eight story buildings in the round. read more

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My husband and I had a Helsinki 24 hour pass and it had included the Rock Church. We took the hop on and hop off to the church and got inside. If you don't have the pass you can pay a small fee to see inside the church. The church is built on a rock and looks cool inside. You are suppose to be quiet while taking your pictures but tourists seem to ignore this and look at it like a suggestion. Overall a quick stop is okay for some pictures. read more

If truth be told, this is a one and done experience. Looking at the pictures online would have satisfied me; however, it was on travel partners' "must visit" list. Temppeliaukion kirkko, or the Rock Church, is architecturally interesting and unique given that it is build out of rock. Highlights: + Brothers and architect, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen , won the competition for the church's design. Initially, J. S. Siren's design was to be used and was in the early stages of being executed; however, due to WWW II, the work was stopped. + The most notable and striking feature of the church is the Copper Roof. Beyond that, the interior is very simple. The church is well lit thanks to skylight that allows the sun shine through. Tips/Notes: * This is an active Lutheran Church, so it is important to note that events/services do occur. Also, one should be respectful in the church for those who might be praying/practicing and not be a dick with trying to get the perfect picture and interfering. * The church is one of the most crowded attractions in Finland and during peak season of June - August, it will be swarming with tourists and their gadgets trying to capture their every move. * In the summer, the church has a cafe. There you can pre-purchase tickets for a discount of 2.5€, else expect to pay 3€. *Pre-purchase tickets during peak travel season if possible. In addition to the cafe (June-August only), a few of the souvenir shops sell tickets as well. This will allow you to go through the quicker queue to enter the church. * ~15 minutes time is really all you need to view the church unless you take a free guided tour(see their website for more info) or wish to stay and worship * The church is on the ground level, so if you are with someone with mobility issues, there are no obstacle such as stairs that one would expect to encounter. read more

When our tour guide noted that we'd be stopping at "The Rock Church" I was pretty excited, despite not knowing what it was lol. I was lazy and didn't do my research and was imagining something along the lines of Stonehenge meets Church. So you can imagine my surprise when we pulled up to this church in the middle of town. This was not at all the ancient structure I had imagined, but instead quite a modern building built into the side of a rock face. We did breeze through here, so it can be done quickly, but it was really quite a remarkable structure and we took many photos here. Our tour guide had bought us tickets ahead of time, so getting in and skipping the line definitely helped! read more

A must-visit! What looks as a unsuspecting mound from the outside is actually a gorgeous "rock" church on the inside. Favorite parts: - the hot pink pews - the rocky/cave-like feel - the organ pipes against the rocks (interesting contrast) - the surrounding area (you can climb on top of the church or walk around the adorable shops and restaurants nearby) - location is in walking distance of main downtown read more

This is the only time I've ever had to pay admission to get into a church. What's that say about religion? If you don't have the three Euro, you can't get saved? You have to buy salvation? I found it offensive that they charge to get in. There are plenty of seats. Every church, temple, mosque, etc I've ever been to asks for donations, not a mandatory cover charge. The church is quite beautiful, placed in the middle of a giant rock with a dome built over it, so it looks like it's just hovering over the congregation. There's a bible verse about faith being built on a rock, and this seems like an appropriate verse. It's beautifully constructed, and seems to meld impenetrable rock with light, lofty structures. I was lucky enough to attend a piano recital here, followed by a fifteen minute sermon, where the priest read (in English) from the book of Psalms, then sang an Irish song that I've always known as a drinking toast, "May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back..." I was happy to attend, and happy that I had the three Euros to get in. I hope they reconsider their admission charge, and just ask for donations. I'd have donated, but I felt like the admission charge keeps out some of the people who need the church, in their time of need. Did Jesus ask for a few Euro before helping the lepers? read more

This church in Helsinki, Finland is one of the top attractions in the city. What makes this church so popular? Maybe it is the age of the church? No, the church opened in 1969. Temppeliaukio looks quite modern. Nice looking pipe organ inside. The acoustics must be pretty amazing. Temppeliaukio is also known as the Rock church. It is built into solid rock. Kind of seems like you are walking into a cave in the side of mountain. Light enters through openings in the copper dome. Absolutely, a worthy destination to visit in lovely Helsinki. read more

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Who would ever have thought that Helsinki's number one tourist spot is a church built into granite. Why is this the case? I suppose it's because of their unusual architecture. Of course that's the case. They didn't build this church to have it become a huge tourist mecca. It just happened. And then on top of everything, it is covered with a gigantic copper dome. Very cool and extremely masterfully architected. I would definitely recommend coming here and spending the good 30 minutes or so and enjoy this absolutely cool site as you'll never see anything like this anywhere else in the world most likely. read more

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Also known as Church of the Rock, Temppeliaukion Church is one of the most unique churches I've ever been inside. The Lutheran church was built directly out of solid rock and is used frequently as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics, which we got to experience as we arrived right in the middle of an organ performance. Restrooms are available on site, however cost a nominal fee. read more

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Temppeliaukion kirkko is a really unique church I have ever seen so far. Its architecture style was just very interesting and simply. Instead of the traditional way to build a church, this was really unconventional to me. It built simply rock, different size of rock but at the same time the church still looks really classic. And it is really quiet, I think people can easy find their own inner peace in this place. I'm not sure if this is a regular thing there, during our visit, there was a pianist played the whole time. It was really peaceful and mind cleaning. And I was also amazed by the architecture. In total there 2 floors in this place, i have been to both of them, the stairs to the second floor was just next to the entrance, but quite easy to miss. Because most of the people just got carry away by the first look of the church. I went to the around on the top of the church as well. It was quite nice to have a walk there. But funny there was no path to walked back down. So I had to follow the same path just go down. On the top of it, it got quite a nice view about the neighbourhood as well. There was a Café next to the entrance. And the place actually surrounded by tall apartment building. I wonder how the church looks like from the top of the building. There few souvenir shops ( I saw two) one I have been told that doesn't which day, the shop will be opened. I did get some magnet there. The price was alright. Overall, I was really surprise and amazed by Temppeliaukion kirkko. To be honesty, when I first the church online when I was making the list for the trip to Helsinki. I did not find this was so interested. But when I saw it with my own eyes, I know why this place is on the top list of place must visit in the city. read more

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This is a church made of rock. Honestly it was cool to look at but isn't a place you would want to spend more than 15 minutes looking inside. I wouldn't say you have to see this but if you're into churches then this might be something you want to see if you have time. read more

Rock Church or Temppeliaukion kirkko is my favorite sight in Helsinki so far. Its unique and original architectural solution makes it extremely hard to believe that it is actually a church in front of you! Despite the fact it's the Lutheran church, to my surprise, I found people singing Russian Orthodox chants there, which is a great experience to have, the acoustics is tremendous. I didn't have the chance to listen to the organ, but I can imagine how amazing it would be, definitely will come again to hear it. Interior is very authentic, especially the vertically directed lines forming the ceiling, that creates interesting visual effect. I would definitely reccomend visiting this place! read more

Temppeliaukion kirkko - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18

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The Temppeliaukion kirkko, or Rock Church as it is known in English, is a modern looking Lutheran church in Helsinki. It is one of the landmarks of the city and a sight visitors are always shown. The church is built into a rocky outcropping with a circular skylight ceiling admitting light across the sanctuary. The rocky surroundings are built into the design, forming the coarse texture of the walls. We were fortunate during our visit that a choir was practicing for an upcoming concert. We tarried for a while to listen to and enjoy the vocal and pipe organ music. The church was builtin 1969 and appears newer than it actually is. It is an example of Scandinavian modern in style. Visitors to Helsinki who like to visit churches on their travels and fans of architecture will want to visit the Rock Church. read more

Get in! Get out! We came across this place because one of us actually did a bit of research beforehand and figured out that this place would probably be interesting. There were lots of private events happening (weddings) so tourists could only come in and see everything at bits at a time. Like sheep, people herded into the church and out came the iProducts that snapped away. The experience was not that engaging because of the volume of people and the extremely brief amount of time that we all had to actually see the church. We had what felt like ten or so minutes. The inside is beautiful, so hopefully you can visit when you have a bit of time. If you're rushed the experience is underwhelming. read more

Very interesting church that's great to come see if you're visiting Helsinki. Built within the rocks of a steep hill, this would be a wonderful, peaceful place if it wasn't overtaken by loud tourists. Still beautiful but too crowded. It's only €3 to get in so definitely worth a stop over in spite of the hordes of people. Recommended. read more

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Super cool church built into rock. It's crazy to think that they excavated all this rock to make the church. It's not a very far walk from the Design District, although there is a very slight uphill as you near the church. Popular tour bus stop, so if you're trying to get that one photo, maybe wait until the tour group leaves and it really empties out. read more

A truly beautiful church. The light pours in through the ceiling windows giving softness and light to the hard rock walls. It's 3 euro to go all the way inside - there isn't much to do once you are in there other than appreciate the beauty but it really is more impressive once you are fully inside. I would love to see a concert here, I'd bet the round shape lends to some fun acoustics. read more

Temppeliaukion Kirkko (translates ~ The Church of The Temple Square) is The Definite Place to visit in Helsinki! And not only because I got married there a century ago, but because of it's extraordinary nature. This beautiful creation, in fact a Lutheran church, is totally excavated and built inside solid granite. Still, it's not a dark cave, but instead has a big daylight serving glazed dome on the top of it. Still, from the outside, you wouldn't know the well hidden secret. The church was designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and was opened in the year 1969. Leaving the interior rock surfaces of the church exposed was not something that was in the original plans. A Finnish conductor Paavo Berglund told the brothers of his experiences in the best music halls, and the acoustical engineer Mauri Parjo set out requirements for the wall surface. Thus, acoustically the whole set turned out to be perfect and along with normal chapel services a lot of concerts are arranged here. Even not so very spiritual ones. Try to attend one if you are around! During the summer the place is crowded with tourists. There is no possibility to avoid this commotion, so just prepare yourself to be amongst others. And also beware of pickpockets, who also seem to have found these holy premises! While visiting Helsinki, don't miss this one! read more

I'm not one for visiting churches, usually, but here I made an exception. This church is beautiful and unlike all the other churches: dug in the rock with an amazing dome topping it, water flowing on the walls, a gorgeous organ, and a true sense of peace when you sit and admire it. Worth the 4 euros. read more

This was the first site I visited in Helsinki and it left me underwhelmed. Perhaps it was the sheer volume of tourists but I jus didn't get a proper church feeling. It might just have been because the decor was so modern. I don't know really why I feel this way about the rock church, but I just do. I ended up much preferring the Lutheran Cathedral despite my eagerness beforehand to visit here. Don't get me wrong, it's interesting architecturally but... I just can't shake this negative feeling about it. read more

Absolutely fantastic church. It feels that you have been transported in another era. It doesn't really says much on the outside but the inside is glorious. No ostentatious monuments or crosses but the huge copper organ is a must see and must heard instrument. Totally worth the trek up there ! read more

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I really don't think that I would have found this place if I had been looking for it! Fortunately, my travel buddy and I had made friends with a local and he brought us to Temppeliaukion Kirkko. I've never seen a church like this, carved out of bedrock. It truly is amazing, and something I would recommend if you're in the area. Overall, you see it from the outside, you see it from the inside. That's it, not much to it. read more

I'm not a church person, but the Rock Church is worth a visit. Check out the interesting architecture, enjoy the atmosphere, take some photos (two floors) inside since the outside is not very interesting. read more

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This is a gorgeous church and definitely worth a visit if you're in Helsinki- the location is a bit out from City Center, but could make a nice walk if you're up for it (it's also *kind of* on the way to the Sibelius Monument). Pay attention to visiting hours! They're somewhat weird. When I was there it was: 10:00- 14:45 15:30-15:45 16:30-17:00 Weirdly specific. But try to go during the morning/early afternoon and you should be fine. read more

Hmm. Well. I liked the copper organ pipes, reflected in the copper wall covering of the gallery. The ceiling is pretty neat, too. Otherwise, I was underwhelmed. I was excited to come here, and thought it'd be a highlight and while the idea is cool in theory, inside it just didn't feel very spiritual. This is obviously a personal thing though! The architecture is interesting and it's definitely unlike other churches you'll see in this part of the world. They charge to use the restroom here. Tour groups were lined up to enter by about 10 minutes before the opening time. read more

Beautifully built church carved out of solid rock. Amazing architecture and excellent acoustics! No wonder it's frequently used for concert venues. For me, it's one if the wonders of modern architecture. Built in 1969. Even just from the outside, it's a sight to behold! read more

Temppeliaukion kirkko - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Helsinki, 18