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Uspenskin katedraali

Uspenski Cathedral

4.4 (37 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM

Uspenskin katedraali Landmarks & Historical Buildings Photos

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Alisa J.

Beautiful Russian Orthodox Church in Helsinki. Definitely worth the visit and great views of the city from the stairs.

Helen H.

It was completed in 1868 and is the largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe. The entrance is free.

Uspenskin Cathedral
Anton K.

Commissioned by Alexandra II Uspenskin Cathedral is the largest orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. It was completed in 1858 while Finland was under Russian rule. The cathedral's exterior is made of red brick with golden onion domes. The ornate interior houses historically and artistically important icons. Note worthy icons include: St. Nicholas the Wonder Maker and Theotolos of Kozeltshan. Panels which depict the Last Supper and the Ascension decorate the walls. The cathedral is closed on Monday but orthodox services can be attended at 6 P,M, on Saturday and 10 A.M. on Sunday. Other services are conducted Tuesday through Sunday as well. All are welcome to attend any services. Uspenskin Cathedral averages 500,000 visitors per year. The cathedral is located in the Katajanokka District which is surrounded by the Baltic Sea. The area has a outdoor market, shops and restaurants.

Brittany S.

Yep, another church/religious building review. This beaut in downtown Helsinki was what brick mason dreams are made of. Seriously, I didn't know bricks could be shaped, rounded and cut in such a way. Raising high into the sky, the architecture reminds you that you're just a stone's throw from Russia. The mini hike up the hill is worth the views overlooking the city. This is also a convenient stop if you're heading to the outdoor market and historic indoor food hall. Once inside the church (which is free to enter), you might be lucky enough to stumble upon a service and see the candelabras lit with dozens and dozens of candlesticks. The worship room isn't as large as one would imagine from the outside looking in. The vibe definitely screams "wear a fur hat" ..."we don't have heat up in here." Pop in if you can to give yourself a broad overview of the city's architecture ranging from the modern Lutheran rock church built mid century to this old beaut up on the hill.

Montage of images from Uspenskin Katedraali
Ed U.

Finland is such an odd hybrid of a country caught in the middle between Scandinavia and Russia. You can actually trace the country's historical turns in four churches all located in Helsinki. It starts with Helsingin Tuomiokirkko looking modestly grand over the expanse of Senate Square, a symbol of Sweden's influence to Christianize the country which ultimately led to the dominance of Lutheranism in Finland (review: http://bit.ly/2mfsxWd). Temppeliaukion Kirkko was built in bedrock in 1969 as Finland was emerging as a global design leader (review: http://bit.ly/2mfwPNz), and Kampin Kappeli is the latest church, a modern cone of silence in the middle of Helsinki (review: http://bit.ly/2nzc13K). Russia's strong influence can be seen in this church, Uspenskin Katedraali, set high on a hill on the Katajanokka peninsula. From there, you get a mighty fine panorama of the city (photo: http://bit.ly/2nQOpUs) including a bird's eye view of Helsingin Tuomiokirkko (photo: http://bit.ly/2n1DNo1). The contrast between the churches is startling as Uspenskin has a heftier presence with the gold onion domes and red brick walls you would expect to find in a Russian orthodox church (photo: http://bit.ly/2nQtmBo). Jamie W. and I arrived about fifteen minutes after the doors closed, so we didn't get to see the ornate detail with gilded panels depicting classic biblical stories. Ironically though, we were in Talinn, Estonia, a couple of days later and visited the even more stately Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, so we got a good flavor of what those panels showcased. In other words, Alexander Nevsky is like Marcia Brady and Uspenskin is Jan. Nevsky, Nevsky, Nevsky.

Outside
Jennifer D.

I visited Helsinki Finland on a European cruise on the Princess cruise line. I tried to do a review of the Hermitage museum in Russia, and was surprised that there is no Yelp in that country. Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. This church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history. I was disappointed that Russia blocks Yelp. This cathedral was very beautiful. It is an uphill hike, so you may be out of breath when you get to the top. Not very good access if you have physical disabilities. The brickwork is beautiful. The Chandeliers are huge and bright. There are many paintings that adorn the walls. I was younger when I visited here, but I remember being in awe of the beauty.

Nik C.

Uspenski Cathedral is definetley a must, if you happen to visit Helsinki. One of the most beautiful places in this Nordic capital. The building is nicely placed on the hill and looks gorgeous from the coastline. There are lots of beautiful Orthodox icons and frescoes inside. However, it is quite typical Russian architecture style, not a great cathedral, but surely worth seeing.

Wyatt G.

On a hillside of the Katajanokka peninsula overlooking Helsinki, Uspenski Cathedral presides as the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Built in 1868 when Helsinki was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland--a protectorate of the Russian Empire, today the church is one of the city's top attractions receiving over 516,500 tourists a year.

Anthony G.

Beautiful Russian Orthodox church in Helsinki that is a must see if visiting. Set on top of a steep hill along the harbor in the Katajanokka area, the views from the top of the staircases leading to the cathedral are nice. The inside of the cathedral is a lot smaller than I thought but still very beautiful. It's a free attraction so it's certainly worth a quick visit.

From a distance.

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Uspenskin katedraali Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Uspenskin katedraali

Beautiful Russian Orthodox church in Helsinki that is a must see if visiting.

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Kampin Kappeli - One can see the subtle strip of windows around the entire curved top of the chapel

Kampin Kappeli

4.1(13 reviews)
1.3 kmKamppi

Helsinki is not even remotely loud to begin with when compared to Southern Europe. However, the…read moreChapel of Silence in Kampii is meant to allow for more reflection and quiet right in the middle of the city. The chapel is located between the main train station and Kampii's indoor shopping mall and transit hub, so exactly one Metro station apart. There are four major churches in Helsinki that are noted in most of the tourist literature. The more traditional ones - a Lutheran cathedral and a Russian Orthodox cathedral - are in the dogleg of the city that hems in the harbor and houses the government buildings. On the other hand, the two others - the Rock Church and the Chapel of Silence - are modernist buildings to the north and the west of the main train station, respectively. The Chapel of Silence is run by an association of city and area parishes together with the city administration. While it is most likely Lutheran in its backing, it is maintained as a nondenominational space. The interior has the pews and an area which might be considered an altar, but it's all understated and devoid of specific religious references. Even if traveling between the train station and Kampii on foot, you can't miss this small shrine. It's shaped like a bowl or cup, but it's not perfectly spherical or symmetrical, so it looks different from every angle. The exterior is cladded in siding of local forest growth and it's curved, but they handled the seams and the spacing very cleanly. The color of the wood is the color of the entire building! As such, it is the exact opposite of, say, the pyramidal entry to the Louvre, which is perfectly symmetrical and transparent as a result of its glazing. The interior is much the same, except that around the upper perimeter is a continuous ribbon of windows to bring in light. I can't guarantee you'll reflect or pray since you might also find yourself analyzing this unique space. However, if you want to pray or reflect, you can do so even when the outdoor elements are not cooperating. The Chapel of Silence was designed in 2010 and opened in 2012. It has won design awards. There is staff on hand who can answer questions for you and they have some leaflets about the chapel in various languages. I don't believe that a donation is required, but you should leave something since you did visit and so they can operate this innovative and soothing spiritual place.

An interesting and unique bit of architectural design, the chapel provides a respite from the busy…read morecity outside its doors and encourages quiet reflection from those that visit. I'm not a religious person, but I enjoyed checking out the chapel and taking in the silence while admiring the interesting architecture. I only stayed a few minutes, but the chapel is worth checking out if you're in the area.

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Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the asymmetrical Chapel of Silence in Helsinki's center.

This is a side view of the asymmetrical Chapel of Silence in Helsinki's center.

Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its base.

This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its base.

Kampin Kappeli - This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its upper edge.

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This is a side view of the chapel as seen at its upper edge.

Senaatintori - Cathedral of Helsinki

Senaatintori

4.2(18 reviews)
0.6 kmKluuvi, Kruununhaka

Helsinki's Senate Square (Senaatintori) are part of the oldest part of the city of Helsinki…read more Surrounding this large plaza are the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki and the Sederholm House which is the oldest building in the city center. You'll also find the Statue of Alexander II here, who re-established the Diet of Finland and worked towards Finland's independence from Russia. Senaatintori is where the big things happen, including concerts and exhibits. There is plenty to see here and nearby. [Review 10086 overall, 1672 of 2018.]

A short walking distance from the center of Helsinki, Senate Square houses many important…read morebuildings. Built in the neoclassical architectural style the main building of the University of Helsinki (1832) sits on the western end of the Square. Helsinki Cathedral is open for viewing from June-August from 9-18 pm when services are not being conducted. It is note worthy that the cathedral designed by Ludvig Engel (1778-1840 was not completed until 10 years after his death. It was original commissioned to be built by the Swedish King when under Swedish rule. Another prominent building in the square is the Government Palace (1822) which is located on the eastern end of the square. The National Library of Finland is also located in the square. It is definitely worth visiting. It's interior id magnificent and they offer 1 hour tours with special exhibits. In the center of the Square is a statute of Alexander II called the "Good Czar" by the people of Finland because of his proposals granting more independence to Finland. The statue was erected in 1894 under Russian rule. Finland gained it's independence in 1917. Lastly, The Sederholm house now the Helsinki City Museum is located at the southwest corner of the Square. It is the oldest stone house in Helsinki built in 1757. While in the Square listen for the digital carilion music played at 17.49 hour. It runs for 5 minutes and 18 seconds. Many concerts are held in the Square, as well as, art exhibits. A notable art exhibit featuring the United Buddy Bears was held in the square. Life size bears were painted and displayed to demonstrate world unity.

Photos
Senaatintori
Senaatintori
Senaatintori

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Uspenskin katedraali - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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