Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenskin katedraali
The largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its red brick walls and golden onion domes stand on a rocky hill on Katajanokka Island, a reminder of Helsinki's Imperial Russian era.
Uspenski Cathedral was designed by Russian architect Gornostayev and completed in 1868. Its name comes from the Slavic term for the Dormition of the Mother of God. It is the cathedral of the Helsinki diocese of the Finnish Orthodox Church and the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It stands on a rocky hill at the western tip of Katajanokka Island and was built with about 700,000 red bricks shipped from Russia. Its top features 13 golden onion domes, symbolizing Christ and the Twelve Apostles. From Market Square and the harbour, you can see it in dialogue with the white Helsinki Cathedral, one red and one white. Inside are an ornate iconostasis, gilded decoration and a huge chandelier. The hill where the church stands is a good spot to overlook the South Harbour, Market Square and the Finland Wheel. The church was closed for extended restoration in recent years, so check the Finnish Orthodox Church website for the current status of the interior. Even if the interior is closed, the exterior and hilltop views are worth the trip. It is a 5-minute walk from Market Square, across the bridge. Nearby, Katajanokka Island has an Art Nouveau residential district that is pleasant to explore on foot.
Opening hours
Exterior viewable all day; interior hours per the Finnish Orthodox Church's official website
Nearby sights
- SkyWheel Helsinki
- Allas Sea Pool
- Market Square & Old Market Hall
- Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square
- Kaivopuisto Park
- Esplanadi Park
- Design District Helsinki
- Hakaniemi Market Hall