Uspenski Cathedral
Pormestarinrinne 1, Helsinki, Finland, 00160
Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral is considered the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe and is the city’s most important vestige of Russian influence on Finland’s culture and architecture. Built in the 19th century, the church impresses with its intricate brick exteriors, soaring spires, and a clutch of precious icons, including the Kozelshchyna icon of the Mother of God—stolen in 2010 but recovered a year later.
The basics
Set on a hillside overlooking the city, the Uspenski Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Helsinki and a highlight of sightseeing tours. Take in this massive church on a private or small-group walking tour, or cover more ground in the city by joining a tour that includes transport by bus, minivan, or public transit to admire the Orthodox landmark plus other must-see attractions, such as the Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, and Market Square.
Things to know before you go
Be respectful of other visitors when touring the Uspenski Cathedral, an active place of worship.
Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees to enter the church.
Admission to the cathedral is free, but bring a few coins if you’d like to light a candle at one of the interior altars.
This historic cathedral has steps both at the church entrance and inside, so it is not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to get there
Located on the Katajanokka peninsula, Uspenski Cathedral is an easy walk from many of the sights in Helsinki’s historic center and from the Helsinki Central train station in the city's Kluuvi neighborhood. Trams 4 and 5 stop just outside the cathedral, and the Kauppatori ferry port is also just steps away.
When to get there
The cathedral is open Tuesdays to Sundays from morning to mid-afternoon. Visit during an Orthodox holiday service to see the church at its atmospheric best or during its two special celebrations: the commemoration of the Kozelshchyna icon of the Mother of God on February 21 and the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God on August 15.
Helsinki’s historic churches
The capital of Finland is home to an eclectic clutch of churches that span a variety of religions and architectural styles. In addition to the massive Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, architecture buffs can visit the neo-gothic St. John’s Church and the contemporary Temppeliaukio Church (or “Rock Church”) hewn directly from stone. History enthusiasts can check out the UNESCO–listed Suomenlinna Church, the Helsinki Cathedral, and the Old Church—all of which were built in the 19th century.
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