Culture of Helsinki. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
![Helsinki Helsinki](../../common/img_cities_w300/helsinki--1364995-0.jpg)
Uspenski Cathedral, National Museum of Finland, Museum of Natural History, Suomenlinna Church, Railway station, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Helsinki …
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Sea had always played an important role in the foundation and development of the modern metropolis of Helsinki. This is the reason why the capital of Finland is often called the daughter of …
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![Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki Cathedral](../../common/img_cities_w300/helsinki--1364995-8.jpg)
Helsinki is an ideal city for family travel. Tourists with children can have fun time there in both winter and summer. There are many amusement parks in the city and each of them has its own …
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The national cuisine is a kind of "fusion" of Eastern and Western traditions. Local culinary masterpieces will never leave any gourmet indifferent. Various vegetable stews and casseroles are …
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Helsinki and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Helsinki: churches, museums and castles
Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki
Location on the map:
Facts:
» Every year, the sacrament - the queen’s coronation - is held at the city cathedral. One of the 10 beauties had been selected by vote before. After the coronation, the maiden in a white dress with a crown and lighted candles goes to the square with her friends. ![Helsinki Cathedral on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» There was a church at one time. It was dismantled and the territory was extended to construct a new church. The construction lasted 22 years. The updated church was finished in 1852. There is a bell tower and a chapel at the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
» The exterior is distinguished by multiple statues of 12 apostles placed on the roof. They are made of lead. Such number of zinc statues is the largest in the world.
» There is a vaulted cave under the cathedral. Art exhibitions and community meetings are held in it.
» People attend communal prayers three times a week. You can listen to organ music at the weekend.
» You can see the white magnificent building on souvenirs, postcards, and in guides. This cathedral is a city landmark.
» Every year, about half a million people come here to admire the temple.
Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki
Location on the map:
Facts:
» The cathedral (1862-1868) started to be built in one of the quarter of old Helsinki built up with huts and one-storey houses where ordinary people lived. ![Uspenski Cathedral on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» Substantial citizens started building new houses too. The quarter gained respectable appearance soon. Now, it is a prestigious district in the city. It can be said that the Uspenski Cathedral caused this.
» The House of God that is 51 m high is the largest Orthodox religious building in Europe.
» The Uspenski Cathedral is located on the high cliff. Visitors going from the sea gate see the magnificent red-brick building with 13 copper domes.
» They are crowned by decorative gilded towers. They symbolize the presence of Jesus with 12 apostles.
» The cathedral is built in the Russian architectural style. It is distinguished by patterns in its stones.
» Inner rooms are spacious and light despite multiple elegant decorative elements. The dome is painted. There is the collection of precious items behind the church ambo.
» The rectangular table in the middle of the table is covered with a golden coating and decorated with precious stones. It was delivered from the Valaam Monastery.
National Museum of Finland, Helsinki
Location on the map:
Facts:
» One of the huge warehouses, where you can see cultural and historical items, is located in the National Museum. ![National Museum of Finland on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» It resembles the Finnish medieval palace with its appearance. The building has a stone decorated foundation. There is a high cone tower. The hall is decorated with frescoes of 1900.
» Here, you can also see artifacts telling about the historical development of the country from ancient times up to now. You can visit static and temporary local history, ethnocultural, and art exhibitions. In the shop, you can buy interesting books.
» Their collection is divided into themed sectors. Each of them has a hall.
» The history sector is the biggest. Here, you can see archeological artifacts found during excavations in the country, and other items: ceramic fragments, crockery, accessories, and chronicles about the first humans settling here 10 000 years ago.
» At the “Treasures” Exhibition, you can see awards of different epochs, coins, paper money, and jewelry.
» Workshop Vintti (translated as “basement”) at the upper level will let you give insights into the history, for example, weave a patchwork carpet or work on the conveyor.
St. John Church, Helsinki
Location on the map:
Facts:
» There is a Lutheran church (1891) on top of the hill. Over the centuries, rites of summer solstice had been performed. ![St. John Church on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The Swedish architect built a house corresponding to the place: according to the architectural plan, the building is constructed in the Flamboyant style. Due to its exterior, the building resembles a fire with a flame rising to the sky.
» The building is built on the stone foundation. The church is faced with red bricks. There are 74-meter towers on both sides. Outer walls are decorated with narrow lancet windows of stained glass. There is a big round rose-window above the central doorway. Its surface separates the intertwined ornament. The entrance to the building is guarded by two fabulous beasts. The sculpture of Apostle John reminds of the saint, after whom the cathedral is named.
» 2 600 worshipers can visit the service at one time.
» The light room has excellent acoustics, which lets hold organ concerts. All pieces of furniture - the altar, benches, and balconies - are wooden. The altar depicts Paul, the preacher and the follower of Christ. Big columns supporting the dome make the church higher.
Aleksanterin teatteri, Helsinki
![Aleksanterin teatteri on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» Such eminent people, as the singer Shalyapin, the performer Varlamov, the writer Gorky, and the word-painter Yuriev, performed here.
» Technical equipment is suitable not only for theatrical, but also for dance performances. Drama and opera performances, musicals, and dance plays are stages here. The acoustics of the hall that lets play contemporary and classic music here. Private events are also held here.
» The initiator of the religious building construction was the Governor General of Finland.
» The Italian troupe stages the opera “Faust” on the opening day. The theatrical performance was premiered in spring 1880.
» The theatre has already reached the 135-year mark of its existence.
» Today, actors are often on tour. Invited play-actors from all over the world also improvise on stage.
» The theatre doesn’t have a cast.
This guide to cultural sights Helsinki is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
What to visit during two-day excursion in Helsinki
Senators Square and the Cathedral
Where: corner of Unioninkatu / Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki;
Where: corner of Unioninkatu / Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki;
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Opening hours: all year;
Opening hours: all year;
Temple Church
Where: Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki; Opening hours: Mon, Wed 10.00-17.00, Tue 10.00-12.45 and 14.15-17.00, Thu, Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 10.00-18.00, Sun 11.45-13.45 and 15.30-18. Please note that opening hours may change due to special events.;
Where: Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki; Opening hours: Mon, Wed 10.00-17.00, Tue 10.00-12.45 and 14.15-17.00, Thu, Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 10.00-18.00, Sun 11.45-13.45 and 15.30-18. Please note that opening hours may change due to special events.;
Kiasma
Where: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 1733 6501; Opening hours: Tue 10.00-17.00, Wed-Fri 10.00-20.30, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00. Closed on Monday;
Where: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 1733 6501; Opening hours: Tue 10.00-17.00, Wed-Fri 10.00-20.30, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00. Closed on Monday;
National Museum of Finland
Where: Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 4050 9544; Opening hours: Tue-Wed 11.00–20.00, Thu-Sun 11.00–18.00, closed Mondays;
Where: Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 4050 9544; Opening hours: Tue-Wed 11.00–20.00, Thu-Sun 11.00–18.00, closed Mondays;
Finlandia house
Where: Mannerheimintie 13e, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 402 41 or +358 (0)9 402 42 11 (Info Shop);
Where: Mannerheimintie 13e, Helsinki; Telephone: +358 (0)9 402 41 or +358 (0)9 402 42 11 (Info Shop);
The Sibelius Monument
Where: Mechelininkatu 38, Helsinki;
Where: Mechelininkatu 38, Helsinki;
Reference information
Public palaces near Helsinki
♥ Palace 'Presidential Palace' , 1.4 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Palace 'Presidential Palace' , 1.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Presidential Palace](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Art galleries in Helsinki and around
♥ Art museum 'Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma' Helsinki, 0.4 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Art museum 'Ateneum Art Museum' Helsinki, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma' Helsinki, 0.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Ateneum Art Museum' Helsinki, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Ateneum Art Museum](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022.
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27.07.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022.
![](http://www.orangesmile.com/img/2017/icon_next_16.png)
27.07.2024
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Helsinki
Landmarks of culture on Helsinki map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
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