Usually churches attract the attention of tourists with their antiquity, imposing dimensions or artsy architectural style. The Church of Temppeliaukio in Helsinki is very different from its counterparts. Built in the late sixties of the last century, it contains many other advantages.

The history of creation

It is worth noting that the construction of the "Temple Square" - this is how the name of the church was translated from Finnish - was delayed. It should have been built almost 100 years ago, but the work had to be postponed because of the war with the USSR.

The project was not returned until the 1960s. The duo of the Tuomio brothers and Timo Suomalainen offered their vision of the church - this style should be simple and rude.

As rock material, rocks were chosen that can sometimes be found in the capital of Finland. The workers did the following: they blew up the rock, and on top of the funnels put the dome. So the church turned out.

Visual Effects

And inside the optical illusion creates the illusion, as if standing under a tall dome. But in fact, its height is 12 meters

Local residents have come up with the nickname of the church - Bunker anti-devil defense. It looks just like that because of its shape and impenetrability. The walls of the room remained untouched - a stone that was only slightly processed after the explosion. There are almost two hundred windows between the dome and the walls

Acoustics

Interestingly, there are no bells in Temppeliaukio - their sound is recorded and heard before the services start from the speakers.

Due to his acoustics, the church often hosts organ and classical music concerts. And sometimes - even concerts of metal bands. Apparently, in this way the clergymen try to introduce young people to religion. After all, in the temple are performed not ordinary songs, but fragments of Lutheran liturgy. Most of the performances can be reached free of charge.

Services

Services in Temppeliaukio are held on weekends or during local holidays. First, divine services are conducted in Finnish, and then in English. During the performance of church hymns, all parishioners often join in singing. Looks and sounds such a massive singing very beautifully

Address and opening hours

Address: Lutherinkatu 3.

Opening Hours: Mon and Wed 10: 00-17: 00; Tue 10: 00-12: 45 and 14: 15-17: 00; Thurs-pi 10: 00-20: 00; Sat 10: 00-18: 00, Sun 11: 45-13: 45 and 15: 30-18: 00.

Organ concerts are not transferable here

Yes and the church strikes with its architecture

Reviews of the church in the rock (2)

Evaluation 10

Free studio in the church May 20, 2014

Irina

@ was here in September 2013

This church is really located right in the rock, not far from the city center (20 minutes on foot). Inside, it's just amazing acoustics, because the walls are stone, and the copper wire is drawn along the ceiling. The organ here sounds as if you are not on this planet. Just awesome! Also I was lucky to hear some guys playing acoustic guitars - it sounded great too! I would not be surprised if someone here records albums, since this is a smart studio replacement. Right next to the church ... Read the whole review

The flying saucer November 25, 2013

Marina

was here in September 2012

Were in Helsinki and decided to find this very church in the rock, Temppeliaukio . Walking distance to the church can be reached in 15 minutes, if you go from the railway station, and if you go by public transport, choose tram number 2 and get off at the Sammonkatu stop. The church is right next to the stop, you just have to go into the yard. If you do not go from the direction of Fredrikinkatu street, then the church does not recognize it right away, because it is as if underground and looks more like a mound of stones from the side.
Entrance to the church ... Read the whole review