Neoclassical white cathedral with green domes, iconic landmark






















Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Get directions

"Completed some 26 years after the Old Church, this neoclassical cathedral is dedicated to the Grand Duke of Finland (Russia’s Tsar Nicholas I) and would look more at home in Moscow than a Nordic capital; inside (entry is possible for a modest fee), the Russian design continues with white busts and lavishly decorated domed ceilings." - The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Editorial Team
"A prominent historic cathedral and easy-to-find city landmark that forms part of a compact sightseeing loop ideal for solo walking or cycling tours." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"During the Helsinki stop, I visited the Helsinki Cathedral; the day also included a swim and a sauna at a beach on the Gulf of Finland." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"▲▲ Green-domed, 19th-century Neoclassical masterpiece." - Rick Steves' Europe
"Built in the 19th century as a tribute to Czar Nicholas I and a defining feature of the skyline, the cathedral is perhaps not the grandest in Europe but I think it’s one of the best in Scandinavia; it sits next to the Bank Museum, offers a short free organ recital every Wednesday at 5pm, and requests a suggested donation on entry." - Matthew Kepnes