Temppeliaukio, a Lutheran church in the centre of Helsinki, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Built underground, all that can be seen from the outside is the massive copper dome hidden in a rocky outcrop, but the interior is an eclectic mix of modern and traditional building materials.
Plans to build a modern church in Helsinki were interrupted by the Second World War and an architectural competition was finally held in the 1960s. The winning design was by the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and the church was completed in 1969.
Construction of Temppeliaukio
Often known simply as the Rock Church, Temppeliaukio was built by quarrying inside the rock to create a vast underground space. A 24 metre copper dome was placed at the top and surrounded by skylights to provide natural lighting for the church.
If you visit, prepare to be startled by the sight of the interior, with its mix of materials. The walls are formed of rough natural rock, a striking contrast to the smooth copper balcony that runs around the edge. The whole is supported by concrete beams and the ceiling is formed from copper wire.
The visual effect is completed by the wooden pews with purple covering, granite altar and modern pipe organ.
Music in Temppeliaukio
The organ is the only fixture that was not designed by the architects and there was controversy over its final design. It has 43 stops and 3,001 pipes. As with the rest of the church it is untraditional in style.
The rough stone walls give Temppeliaukio excellent acoustic properties. Concerts of organ and other music often take place here, including events from the Helsinki Spring Light Chamber Music Festival. The church is also sometimes used as a recording studio.
The design of the church means that it does not have a bell tower; instead a recording of bells is played through loudspeakers on the outside wall.
Visiting the Rock Church
Temppeliaukio is open from 10.00-20.00 on weekdays (except Wednesday); 10.00-18.30 on Wednesday; 10.00-18.00 on Saturday; and 12.00-13.45, 15.30-18.00 on Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays in winter, and during services and events. Other than for events there is no entrance charge.
Details of musical performances are displayed on the noticeboard at the entrance. There is an English language service each Sunday at 14.00.
The church is very popular with tourists, especially from visiting cruise ships, and you may find it less crowded towards the end of the day.
