Temppeliaukio Church

This is one of Helsinki’s true curiosities—and definitely not your typical church. In fact, you might be wondering if it is a church at all. From the outside, all you can really see is the dome, because the rest of the building is carved directly into solid rock. That’s why it’s often called the Rock Church. This remarkable structure was designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, who won the competition launched for this unique project. Construction took a year and a half, and the church was completed in 1969. Since then, it’s become one of Helsinki’s most visited sites—and it’s easy to see why. It’s not every day you find a church like this. We highly recommend seeing its striking interior, though there is an entrance fee. You’ll be able to admire its 24-metre-wide dome, lined with 180 windows that flood the space with natural light. Unlike most churches, it has neither a bell tower nor bells. Instead, speakers outside play the sound of chimes. Its extraordinary setting and remarkable acoustics make it an ideal venue for concerts, which are especially popular among locals. It’s also a place of quiet reflection, dedicated to prayer and meditation. It welcomes more than half a million visitors each year, all eager to admire this striking example of 1960s architectural expressionism.