During the school holidays we visited the capital, Helsinki. Not far from the Lutheran Cathedral there is another equally beautiful and impressive cathedral.
Uspenski Cathedral is the cathedral within the Orthodox Church of Finland. It was built between 1862 and 1868 by order of Emperor Alexander II of Russia, ruler of the Grand Duchy of Finland. It is dedicated to the Dormition of Mary Mother of God.
What makes this church special and beautiful is the fact that it stands on a hill on the island of Katajanokka, a district east of the city centre, and is made of copper brick. It is therefore visible from afar and makes it one of the most beautiful monuments in Helsinki. The building is surrounded by Tove Jansson’s park.
The first day the church was closed and we were so curious to see what was inside that we came back the next day. As the interior was being renovated, we were still impressed by its equally grandiose interior beauty. There was a huge candle chandelier, red carpets and religious paintings covering the walls.
Our language holidays in Finland 