One sight that is an absolute must when visiting Helsinki is a trip to the city’s landmark, the white cathedral. The cathedral was built between 1829 and 1850 on a pedestal in the center of the city on Senate Square according to the plans of German architect Carl Ludwig Engel, and its white color shines as brightly as the sun. In Finnish, the white cathedral is called Tuomiokirkko, and due to its prominent location, it is also known as the White Heart of Helsinki. It is designed in the classical style and impresses with its straight lines, majestic cross dome, and Corinthian columns. The majestic church was consecrated in 1852 after 22 years of construction. It was first named St. Nicholas Church in honor of the Russian Tsar and Grand Duke of Finland, Nicholas I. After Finland gained independence, it was renamed “Great Church” and finally became Helsinki Cathedral in 1959. I am overwhelmed every time I see it. The cathedral is a Protestant church and the cathedral of the Lutheran Diocese of Helsinki. I love this beautiful cathedral, whose floor plan is in the shape of a Greek cross. The simple white interior with its golden altar is adorned only by statues of the reformers Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Mikael Agricola, and a round pulpit in the four corners. The extensive steps in front of the church are a popular meeting place and also a wonderful spot for a short break from strolling around the city. Since the end of the 18th century, the bronze statue of Tsar Alexander II, designed by Walter Runeberg, has stood in the center of Senate Square. There is a special reason for this, because in 1812, Russian Tsar Alexander II named Helsinki the new capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. As a result, the city, which had been burned to the ground, underwent a fundamental structural renewal. The buildings around Senate Square are built in the same style as Helsinki Cathedral, which is why this district of Helsinki is also called the “Classical Center.” With almost 350,000 visitors annually, the cathedral is one of Helsinki’s tourist attractions. Admission to the cathedral is free, and thanks to its excellent acoustics, concerts are regularly held here. Since 1992, there has been a small café in the crypt, the basement of the church. In the 1970s, the basement was renovated and put into operation according to plans by architect Tarja-Salmio Toiviainen. The crypt was further renovated during the cathedral’s repair phase in 1996-1998. The centerpiece of the crypt is a small chapel with an altarpiece painted by artist Carolus Enckell. The church textiles were designed by textile artist Päikki Priha. The crypt serves as a meeting place for the community. Exhibitions are regularly held there. The white heart of the city, as the Finns affectionately call their cathedral in Helsinki, is really worth seeing, and the enchanting metropolis of Helsinki is always worth a visit in my opinion.
