Tuomiokirkko, Tampere

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Tampere’s neogothic cathedral is well known for it frescoes. This is a rather unusual fact for such a new, protestant church. They are pictures by Hugo Simberg, showing skeleton gardeners, snakes and other devilish creatures. The church appears to be old, but is a neogothic building erected between 1902 and 1907 and became a cathedral in 1923. However, it won the prize of „Most beutiful church in Finland“ in 1995. The tower is among the highest structures in Tampere with a heighth of 64 meters and has three bells. The cathedral is usually open around noon with extende opening hours from May to August. The webpage below shows some pictures from inside. Unfortunately, I missed the opening hours every time, so that I have to conform myself with the pictures too...

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Surrounded by a small park, this beautiful church looks just like a stone castle and, indeed, it's one of the most important jugend buildings in Finland. Designed by Lars Sonck, it was built 1903-1907 and so it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The tower is 64 meters high and there are 3 bells. Also the interior is well worth seeing: decorative paintings and stained glass windows. Especially Hugo Simberg's paintings "wounded angel" and "in the garden of death" (with skeleton gardeners) are famous. If you look up, you'll notice a snake in the highest point of the ceiling. This is rather unusual and, at the time, was heavily criticized. The towns people of the time didn't like the skeletons either but I think they're rather charming.

The home page I've provided is in Finnish only, but they have pictures from the interior.

Tampere's cathedral, better known as Tuomiokirkko, was built in 1907 by the great Lars Sonck (who also designed Tampere's Tirkkonen building -- see my "Off the Beaten Path" section) . Not only is it considered one of Finland's most notable examples of National Romantic architecture, it was voted the most beautiful church in the country in 1995.

Unfortunately, it was undergoing renovation at the time of our visit. Our photo only hints at its massive presence. Inside, our favourite piece of art was how the arcades were painted to represent angel wings. The frescoes are also well-known, having been painted by Hugo Simberg and Magnus Enckell, two of the top artists of their time.

The Church of St John was built between 1902 - 1907; and it did not become a Cathedral until 1923 after the Bishop's seat was relocated to Tampere.

The church was designed by the architect Lars Sonck; the artwork inside the building was created by Hugo Simberg and Magnus Enckell. The work by Simberg caused great concern and unrest at the time - however it is a must to see.

History relating to Simberg's work: As he commeneced his work, rumours were rife around Tampere that there were naked people and serpents being painted. he used young boys to model but also took photographic images to use and paint from. So now everyone who visits the church marvels at his frescoes - and the all to famous boys carrying the Garland of Life.

The Cathedral can accommodate 2000 worshippers, and is alos very popular for concerts and of course weddings.

What makes the cathedral special are the interior paintings showing some naked boys, snakes and skeletons. They caused a lot of controversy at the time of their creation (the beginnings of the 20th century). But for sure they also added to the popularity of the place among tourists.

Tampere's Cathedral was built between 1902 and 1907 by Lars Sonck and is a typical building representing the Finish art nouveau that can be found in most parts of the city.

Inside you find paintings on the walls and on the ceiling by Hugo Simberg, Magnus Enckell and Eric O.V. Ehrström.

This is very special church with very unique paints inside. I do not know really the history of it, but I do know that each time when I’m having guests and we go to Tampere, I do take them also to this church.

This church is set amidst lovely gardens and flower-beds.