Tampere Orthodox Church, Tampere

The Russian Orthodox Church is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Tampere. Indeed, it is even said that it is the finest masterpiece of Byzantine-style architecture in the Nordic countries. St. Alexander Nevski and St. Nicholas (the official name of the church) was built between 1896 and 1899. The seven domes represent the seven sacraments. During the civil war in 1918, it was heavily damaged, but restored to old splendour. From a certain distance, the church looks to be pretty small. You will only get an idea of ist actual size, if you are inside the church or come cvery close to it. Unfortunately, the church seems only to be open for mass. The only exception is during summertime (May – August) where you can visit the church during daytime. Please check the board in front of the church for further details on that.

Finland is one of the most dominantly Lutheran countries in the world, only one per cent of the population are members of the Orthodox church. Tampere Orthodox Church was designed by T.U. Jazykov, and was built in 1896-1899. It is also known as St. Alexander Nevski and St. Nicolas Church. The church was severely damaged during the war in 1918. It's told to be the purest example of a Neo-Byzantine-style church in Scandinavia with lots of onion domes and guilt crosses.

The church is open 1-31 May Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, 1 June - 31 August Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun noon-4pm, at other times by arrangement. Vigil usually on Saturdays and days preceding holidays at 6pm, liturgy on Sundays at 10am and on holidays of the liturgical year at 9am. More details of services can be found on the notice board outside the church. Office open Tue-Fri 9am-1pm tel. (03) 3141 2700, fax (03) 3141 2740, church tel. (03) 3141 2724.