Church in a Rock

Church in a Rock

[ Aug.2015 ] We walked along the walking route suggested in our guide book on the last day in Helsinki.

But after a while, we realised that we did not have enough time, so we went up to the Temppeliaukio church and came back.

This church was one of the things we wanted to see in Helsinki and it was worth a visit, though it was away from the centre.

It was a winning design in an architecture competition in 1960-61 and completed in 1969, though the size is a little smaller than the original design.

I have seen many cave churches, but I have never seen a church made by hollowing a rock.

There is a round ceiling with a 24 metre diameter and windows are surrounding it so that the sunlight comes in.

The wall is natural rock surface.

Apparently, the sound here is very good and they have as many as 200 concerts a year.

There is a fine pipe organ, which was made in 1975.

I would like to listen to it once.