Premises

The Cathedral

The main church of the Cathedral seats 1,300 people. Each day of the week parish events are held in the Cathedral. In addition, the Cathedral hosts the Ecumenical Independence Day Service, and the formal services that mark the opening and closing of parliament.

Parishioners can book the Cathedral for baptisms, weddings or funerals. For more detailed information about the Cathedral proper, please go to the section What do we believe?

The Crypt

The vaulted rooms under the Cathedral are called the Crypt (Krypta in Finnish). The Cathedral Crypt was originally built as a basement with heating equipment and log cellars. For more than a hundred years, the earthen floored cellars were empty.

The Crypt was renovated in 1972–73 according to plans drawn up by architect Tarja-Salmio Toiviainen and taken into use. In 1996–1998 the Crypt was further improved during extensive renovation of the Cathedral building. The Crypt acquired a new altarpiece, a painting by artist Carolus Enckell, and new paraments designed by textile artist Päikki Priha.

Today, the Crypt is a meeting place for the parish, hosting services, concerts and exhibitions. In summertime, the Crypt is home to summer café and art exhibitions.

Access to the Crypt is from Kirkkokatu 18 or by elevator from the Cathedral. In wintertime the Crypt is open for parish events.

The Chapel

The Cathedral Chapel is found in the side pavilion, on the right-hand side as you take the steps up from Senate Square. Baptisms, weddings, Eucharist services, youth services, prayer services and other services are held in the chapel. Funerals cannot be held in the chapel. The chapel holds some 70 people. Small groups meet in the lower room of the Cathedral Chapel, which is also used for meetings.

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower, is the pavilion on the left-hand side, when viewed from Senate Square. From June to August the Bell Tower operates as a summer café, that serves customers daily.