Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, symbol of the Russian presence in Helsinki

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Helsinki Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral

When you travel to a country that is not close to yours, it is very likely that you have a great ignorance about its history.

I have verified this in my trip to Helsinki, where I discovered that the city was founded by the Swedes in the 16th century, and what is now Finland It was under the dominion of said Nordic neighbor until the early nineteenth century.

At that time, in 1809, after a war Finland became dominated by the Russian empire, and specifically, by the Czar Alexander II, under the title ofGrand Duke of Finland.

Byzantine style inside the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki

Helsinki Orthodox Cathedral History

The most striking reflection of the Russian domain that you will see when you get to Helsinki It is undoubtedly the imposing Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.

The center of political and religious power of Helsinki is located in the Senate Squarein full Tori neighborhood, very close to the city port, where theMarket Square and City Hall.

And in bliss Senate Square the great stands Lutheran cathedral in neoclassical style, one of the main icon images of the city of Helsinki.

But very close, next to the port, at the top of the hill of a small park, is where you will see the aforementioned orthodox cathedral.

Interior of the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki

I anticipate that the imposing building will surely attract your attention because of the colorful red of its brick structure, its green roofs and the golden domes.

In the panoramic view of both monuments from the port, you will surely be struck by the great aesthetic contrast that exists between them.

And that despite the fact that both cathedrals were built at the same time as the domain of the aforementioned Tsar Alexander II, who drove the development of Helsinki as new capital of Finland.

Specifically, the Uspenski Cathedral, designed by a Russian architect, was completed in 1868, while the great white-fronted neoclassical building, which is the Lutheran cathedral, had been completed just 15 years earlier.

The architectural design of the Uspenski Cathedral It combines Eastern and Western influences.

Its facade follows the Slavic tradition, but when you access to visit its interior, you discover a single ship that is a great example of Byzantine style.

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral of Helsinki at sunset

But, above all, you should know that it is considered as the largest orthodox church in Western Europe.

I recognize that in view of the two cathedrals, the one that architecturally I find much more attractive is the Orthodox, that of Uspenski, especially at sunset, when due to its orientation, its facade stands out with a very attractive reddish color.

Which will be your favorite?

Schedules visit Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral

The visiting hours of Helsinki's Uspenski Cathedral they are, from Tuesday to Friday, from 9.30 to 16 hours: on Saturdays, from 9.30 to 14 hours; and on Sundays, from 12 to 15 hours. Admission is free and the cathedral closes on Mondays.

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