Vanha Kirkko

The Old Church is not only the oldest but perhaps also the most beautiful church in Helsinki. The small, white and peacefully plain building is located in one of the prettiest parks in Helsinki. Construction began in the 1820s when Ulrika Eleonora church on Senate Square became too small and the new cathedral had not yet been built. Famous Helsinki architect C.L. Engel designed the church, consecrated in 1826. The wooden exterior is in simple Neo-Classical style, with a delightful belfry and green dome reminiscent of the Cathedral. With its attractive simplicity the interior is traditionally Finnish; its colours are whites and pastels, against which the gilded altarpiece, organ and pulpit stand out. The altarpiece, the only picture in the church, is signed by court painter Ekman; the organ and pulpit are also 19th-century originals. Services are held at 10am in Finnish and 12pm in Swedish on Sundays and Christian holidays. Eucharist is held on Wednesday mornings, and short organ concerts on Tuesdays. This is a very popular concert and wedding venue.

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• Attraction Type: Religious Buildings
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