Uspenski Orthodox Church, Helsinki

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As its signature Russian-style indicates, the stunning Uspenski Cathedral serves the Orthodox community of Helsinki. It was completed in 1868 by the architect, Aleksei Gornostajev, who recycled bricks from a fortress destroyed during the Crimean War, and based his design on 16th century Russian designs. The Uspenski Cathedral is the seat of the Finnish Orthodox Church, part of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate based in Constantinople, and is considered the largest Orthodox church structure in the Western world.

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We walked from our cruise ship and in little less than an hour found ourselves at this gem of a church. Thirteen domes represent Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. Inside is just as enjoyable with the soaring central dome. The view of Helsinki from the site is also impressive. Include this church on your walking tour of Helsinki.

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Two magnificent buildings dominate the skyline of central Helsinki.
They are both churches, erected in 1852 and 1868, only 16 years apart.
They stand facing each other, but at a distance.
These are the Finnish Orthodox (previously Russian Orthodox) Uspenski Cathedral and the Tuomiokirkko Lutheran Cathedral.
I liked the comment in the Lonely Planet, that they resemble the two queens on a giant chess board.
To visit them both, one after the other, is an inspiring experience.

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The Uspenski cathedral is certainly one of the major landmarks in Helsinki as you will see it when arriving by ship. It sits on top of a small hill and mind you, in winter you want to think twice whether you really want to climb the slippery icy stairs. You better go around the side and use the road.

I've seen the cathedral in sunlight and illuminated in the winter night. The cathedral was inaugurated in 1868 and it's apparently the largest Russian orthodox church in Western Europe.

There are separate summer and winter opening times:
E.g. in winter from 1.10.-30.4. it's closed on Monday. On Sundays the opening times are shortest with 12 am - 3 pm

I went there on a Saturday, around midday, and watched a chanted christening. The vicar, or priest, had a cough, the baby cried when it got dunked, a cross got kissed and an old lady got cross because some of us tourists were ignoring the no photography signs. Great fun for all the family.

Now this is a church which IS wonderful inside! Just as you would expect from an orthodox church with all its splendour. It was built in 1868 which you can actually see on the use of red brick if you ask me but then again I compare it to Swedish Scania with its red Neo Gothic churches. Built during the Russian times, it is inavoidable that it reminds people of those days and it is actually the biggest orthodox church in Western Europe.

Uspenski Cathedral was designed by Aleksei Gornostajev. Although built between 1862 and 1868 it resembles a 16th centaury design as it is based on an old 16th centaury church near Moscow. Following the destruction of Bomarsund fort during the Crimean War some 8 years earlier the bricks from the fort were put to good use in the construction of Uspenski Cathedral. The Cathedral sits on a hill overlooking the city with good views of the market Square etc. and out towards the sea. It is one of if not the largest Orthodox churches in western Europe. Admission is free though as it is in use for religious service it may not always be possible to walk around it. The day we were went up to see it there was a wedding ceremony taking place and it was interesting for us to see an Orthodox wedding. It was good for us to have an opportunity to witness the service but we did not get a real chance to explore the inside of the Cathedral.
Opening times vary in Summer and Winter but generally if your there between 9.30 and 4.00 weekdays or Sat mornings and Sun between 12 noon and 3pm you should be ok. Services and other events are listed on the notice board just inside the church.

The cathedral is very prominent and is seen from many places throughout the city. However, once inside there is only a small floorspace and no seating.

Be careful to check that there is no service being conducted.

Uspenski Cathedral was built in the Russian Byzantine style in 1862-1868, and is the biggest Orthodox church in western Europe. It was designed by Aleksei Gornostajev, and was styled after an old church built in the 16th century near Moscow in Russia.

The bricks were brought from Bomarsund fortress in Aland which had been destroyed during the Crimean War in 1854. The dome is held by four monolithic granite pillars. Altogether, the cathedral has 13 golden onions which represent the number of the Christ and the Apostles.