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Travel to Finland. Helsinki
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Uspensky Cathedral |
Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is situated in the southern part of Finland,
on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, by the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is about
575,000 people, and the greater Helsinki (including Vantaa, Espoo, and Kauniainen) has the population
of over 1,000,000 inhabitants. The city is Finland's capital for business, education, research, culture, and
government. The immigration of rural residents has made it one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Europe.
Among Helsinki's most impressive sights are Helsinki Cathedral, the National University, the Government Palace,
the Finnish National Opera House, and Finlandia Hall.
Senate Square
Senate Square is the central square of Helsinki. The Square with its surroundings forms one of the best European
ensembles in neoclassical style and the city was called "White Capital of North" in the XIX century.
The Lutheran cathedral with wide granite steps dominates over all Senate Square. The building of the Senate
(nowadays - the State Council) built in traditional classic style was constructed in 1822. It is located at
the eastern side of the square.
The Throne Hall (Presidential Hall) decorated in the Empire style is placed above the main entrance.
Even nowadays the Government of Finland works here. There is no public access to the State Council's building.
The main structure of the Helsinki University is situated in front of the State Council, at the western side of Senate Square.
The monument of Emperor Alexander II occupies the Square's center. Burghers' houses built in the XVIII century are also
located at Senate Square. After reconstruction
the houses were given to various public offices except of the first floor traditionally occupied by shops,
cafe and restaurants.
Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral)
Lutheran Cathedral |
The Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) dominates Senate Square. It was built in 1830-1852 to
replace an earlier church. The Cathedral is the landmark with a tall green dome surrounded by four smaller domes.
The church was built in 1830-1852, in neoclassical style.
The Cathedral has a floor plan in the shape of a Greek cross.
There are statues of the Apostles made of zinc on the roof, and they are the biggest unique set of zinc sculptures in
the world. The church was called St. Nicholas church until the independence of Finland in 1917. Since 1959, it became a
Cathedral, and is called Helsinki Cathedral or the Lutheran Cathedral.
Sibelius Monument
The monument is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki. It was created to honour the Finnish
composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). It was one of the first abstract monuments in Finland. The monument lies in the middle
of a beautiful green park (Sibeliuspuisto), and the good thing about this monument is that it is open to interpretation.
Is it a tree? Is it an organ? You can also walk under the monument, so you can view it from any angle you wish.
The monument is a visual expression of the way Sibelius' music depicts nature.
Suomenlinna
Boat to Suomenlinna |
Suomenlinna (Fortress of Finland) is a UNESCO world heritage site.
It is known as an avant-garde of culture, the influence of which has affected the
life throughout Finland. Suomenlinna is an old sea fortress and the biggest of its kind in the whole Europe.
The Fortress is built on four different islands connected by bridges. It was build by the king of Sweden to protect
Sweden against Russia. Suomenlinna has always been much more than just a part of Helsinki - it is a city within a city.
Nowadays there are about 900 people living on the islands, and 350 people work here all year round.
At present, the islands have a library, a health center, a shop, a fire brigade,
and an elementary school. This is one of the features that make Suomenlinna unique:
the fortress is not merely a museum.
Athenium Art Museum
The Ateneum celebrated its opening on November 18th, 1887. The new art forum was a great achievement
for the Finnish cultural establishment. Today the Ateneum Art Museum houses the country's largest art collection
featuring Finnish art from the 1750s to the 1960s and western art from the latter half of the 1800s to the 1950s,
including many national treasures. Here one will find Finland's golden age and modern masters, from Albert Edelfelt
to Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Helene Schjerfbeck. The museum complex includes the
Ateneum Hall and hosts a range of events and activities. The Ateneum is part of the Finnish National Gallery.
Finnish National Opera
The centre of music art is in the capital of the country - Helsinki, where the building
of the Finnish National Opera is situated. The Finnish National Opera was founded in 1911.
The present building of the Opera had been built almost for 20 years, and since 1993 the National Opera
is housed in a beautiful long building of glass, wood and white granite. It is situated on the bay at
a walking distance from the city centre.
The Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium, completed in 1938, was the main venue of the XV Olympic Games in 1952. The Helsinki
Olympic Stadium is located in about 2 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki.
The 72 metres high tower there offers an excellent view over Helsinki.
Church of the Rock
Temppeliaukio Church was built in 1968-1969. It was designed by the architect brothers, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen.
The church is built into solid rock, therefore, it is also known as the Church of the Rock.
This is a working church that is often used
for concerts thanks to its excellent acoustics.
Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki.
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