Built into the rock face, the Temppeliaukio Church is among the world’s most extraordinary religious structures. The church is constructed inside a rocky outcrop and has a lavish modern interior with a ceiling made of copper wire.
Arrive at the site which is located on an otherwise typical residential street. Capture photos of the iconic rock formation with the copper dome the only visible part of the church’s exterior. From above, the dome appears like a flying saucer.
Enter the circular church and note the natural stones that make up the walls. Relish the light airy feel generated by the 180 window panes that allow sunlight to pass through. The structure blends natural and artificial materials seamlessly. Climb to the brown balcony for a view of the interior of this intriguing church.
Gaze up at the circular copper dome, which rises about 40 feet (12 meters) above the street level. Attend one of the regular classical concerts that take place in this charming setting and appreciate the excellent acoustics provide by the rock walls. The information board by the entrance includes up-to-date details regarding recitals and other events. Go to an English-language church service on Sunday afternoon.
Find out about the church’s origin, the idea of architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. The church opened in 1969, its name meaning Temple Square in Finnish. Note that it is often referred to as the Rock Church, in reference to its architecture. Builders carved the granite rock of the structure from the inside out.
The church is usually open to visitors daily from morning until evening. Note that it closes on Tuesdays in winter and has a disrupted schedule on Sundays. Enter the site for free.
Find the Temppeliaukio Church in the central part of Helsinki. Walk west from the Helsinki Railway Station for 15 minutes to get here. Several bus lines take passengers to the stops beside the structure, which is near the National Museum of Finland and the Hietaniemi Cemetery. Ride the metro to the Kampin station to the south of the church.
