Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church), Helsinki
Aerial view of the Rock Church in Helsinki. Image © Google Earth.
Exterior of the Rock Church. Photo
Jim G.
The spaceship-like dome at sunset. Photo
Darren Webb.
Panoramic view from the gallery. Photo
Darren Webb.
Interior view with copper dome. Photo
rodliam.
The dome, made entirely of copper wire. Photo
Nadia Prigoda-Lee.
Altar area. Photo
Jim G.Flickering candles in the Rock Church. Video
Arthur Kho Caayon.
General view of the interior. Photo
Darren Webb.
The Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church) is a thrilling work of modern architecture in Helsinki. Completed in 1969, it is built entirely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire.
History
The Temppeliaukio Kirkko was designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. Construction began in 1968 and was finished a year later in 1969. The architects chose a rocky outcrop rising about 40 feet above street level, and blasted out the walls from the inside.
The Temppeliaukio is now most commonly known by its English name, the Rock Church or Church in the Rock. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and frequently full of visitors.
What to See
The underground Rock Church is built inside of a massive block of natural granite in the middle of an ordinary residential square. From ground level, the shape resembles the ancient tomb at Newgrange, Ireland. But the structure is barely visible from outside, with only the copper dome poking out of the rock. Try to see it from above - it looks like a flying saucer has lodged itself in the ground.
Inside, the church is circular and enclosed by walls of bare rock. The ceiling is a giant disc made of copper wire. The interior is lit by natural light streaming through 180 vertical window panes that connect the dome and the wall.
A solid copper-colored balcony provides a nice view of the church interior from above. The combination of natural and man-made materials in the Rock Church is striking and explains its popularity.
The Temppeliaukio frequently hosts classical concerts, the raw rock walls making for excellent acoustics. Check the noticeboard at the entrance for a schedule of events. English-language worship services are conducted every Sunday at 2pm.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church); Temppeliaukiokirkko; Church in the Rock |
| Location: | Helsinki, Finland |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Lutheran |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Modern |
| Date: | 1968-69 |
| Architect: | Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen |
| Size: | Dome: 13m/43ft high |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Lutherinkatu 3, SF-00100 Helsinki, Finland |
| Coordinates: | 60.173036° N, 24.925404° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 09/49-46-98 |
| Opening hours: | Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm; Wed 10am-6:30pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-1:45; & 3:30-6 Closed Tuesdays in winter. No visits during services and events. |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Helsinki Map - our detailed interactive map of Helsinki, plus hand-picked links to more
- Helsinki Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Helsinki Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Helsinki Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- The Rough Guide to Scandanavia 7.
- Frommer's Scandinavia, 21st ed.
- Temppeliaukion kirkko - Muuka.com
- Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) - TripAdvisor traveler reviews
Last updated on January 13, 2010.
