Uspenski Cathedral - Finland's Main Orthodox Cathedral
Towering over the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki, Uspenski Cathedral is a striking red-brick Orthodox edifice topped with golden onion domes. With its commanding presence and ornate silhouette, it’s hard to miss – and indeed, it has become one of the most visited churches in the Finnish capital.
More than just a place of worship, Uspenski Cathedral offers a tangible link to Finland’s past as a Grand Duchy under Russian rule. This guide delves into the cathedral’s fascinating history, architectural splendour, and modern-day significance, as well as providing helpful tips for visitors.
In this article...
Historical Background
To understand why Uspenski Cathedral was built, we need to return to 1812, when Helsinki replaced Turku as the capital of Finland. Just two years later, Tsar Alexander I of Russia issued a decree earmarking 15% of the salt import tax to fund two churches: one Lutheran and one Orthodox. Helsinki Cathedral (the white one) was built as the Lutheran cathedral, and Uspenski was for the Orthodox congregation. This is a fascinating insight into how Russia governed Finland; there was no enforced Orthodox conversion.
The Orthodox community in Helsinki was growing, and a larger church was needed to serve the faithful. Although the Russian Empire held sovereignty over Finland, the Orthodox faith was never imposed on the predominantly Lutheran population. Still, the Orthodox minority required a cathedral that matched their spiritual and cultural identity.
Construction of Uspenski Cathedral
Construction of the cathedral began in earnest after the death of its architect, Aleksey Gornostayev, in 1862. A pioneer of Russian revivalist architecture, Gornostayev designed the cathedral in a distinctive Russian-Byzantine style.
Approximately 700,000 bricks – originally part of the Bomarsund Fortress in the Åland Islands, which was destroyed during the Crimean War – were transported by barge for the build. The cathedral was finally consecrated on 25 October 1868, in honour of the Dormition (Uspenie) of the Virgin Mary, following the wishes of Tsar Alexander II.
Today, Uspenski Cathedral claims to have the title of the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.
Architectural Highlights
Exterior Design
Uspenski’s dramatic architecture features 13 onion domes, symbolising Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The largest dome reaches a height of 33 metres and is topped with a gilded Orthodox cross. Each dome is adorned with 24-carat gold leaf, a detail that gleams brilliantly against the red-brick façade.
Inspired by a 16th-century church near Moscow and the tented roof traditions of northern Russia, the building exemplifies the grandeur of Russian-Byzantine revival architecture. A commemorative plaque honouring Tsar Alexander II is located at the rear of the building.
Interior Design
Inside, the cathedral is richly decorated. The highlight is the ornate iconostasis, painted by Russian artist and academic Pavel Siltsov. This screen, separating the nave from the sanctuary, blends classical and Byzantine elements in a stunning visual display.
Beneath the main hall lies the crypt chapel, dedicated to St Alexander Hotovitzky. A former vicar in Helsinki (1914–1917), Hotovitzky was martyred during Stalin’s Great Purge and canonised in 1994.
I have only been to Orthodox cathedrals in Helsinki and Tallinn, so I can’t compare them to one in Russia. However, I have been told by my guests that Uspenski isn’t as ornate as some other cathedrals.
It is possible to take photos inside, and I apologise for my awful iPhone-quality photos!
A Tale of Theft
In a dramatic incident in 2007, the cathedral was targeted by thieves in broad daylight. The rare and valuable icon of St Nicholas the Wonderworker – originally from the Orthodox Cathedral of Vyborg and relocated to Helsinki during WWII – was stolen in front of hundreds of visitors. Despite extensive efforts, the icon has never been recovered.
Uspenski Cathedral Today
Though built during Finland’s time as an autonomous Russian territory, Uspenski Cathedral today is fully Finnish in ownership and operation. It serves as a vital centre for Orthodox Christian worship in Helsinki, including regular liturgies, weddings, and baptisms.
The feast day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on 15 August each year with a traditional praasniekka (church festival), attracting locals and pilgrims alike.
While the Orthodox Church of Finland has around 60,000 members – roughly 1% of the population – the Russian Orthodox Church in Finland is much smaller, with about 3,000 members. Notably, Uspenski Cathedral is affiliated with the Finnish Orthodox Church, not the Russian Orthodox Church.
Practical Information
Uspenski Cathedral welcomes approximately 500,000 visitors each year. It remains an active place of worship but is also considered one of Helsinki’s top cultural landmarks.
Opening hours:
Open daily, but the hours vary day by day, so check their website.
Closed on Mondays during winter
Entry fee:
€5 (introduced recently to assist with upkeep)
For up-to-date opening times and events, visit the official website.
