This is Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland.…. that is its ‘proper’ name. But it is also known as the Rock Church.
It is unique in concept and an architectural wonder in conception and construction.
Finland, and Helsinki in particular, is a land of rock. Building has always created challenges. But this is a creative answer to an architectural challenge.
To describe it simply…. a hole was excavated deep down into the rock (just like a quarry). Into the space created, a church of rock was built, utilising the natural ‘quarry’ walls where possible. The location chosen was a small rise in the surrounding landscape in the centre of the City. This enables the entrance to be at a lower street level, whilst the roof is at the upper ground level…the whole church invisible from the outside
The interior is spectacular and spacious. When we visited, several years before Covid, we were treated to a Piano Concert….. the sound was as spectacular as the surroundings. Just perfect.
At ground level the church is rather unpretentious with the actual roof … it is a canopy combining glass and a copper dome…. blending into its rocky surrounds.
It’s popular name of the Rock Church is perfect.
It is also a highlight for any visit to Helsinki, it was certainly one of ours.
Wherever you are this Sunday, home or away… as always…
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
4th December
(C) David Oakes 2022
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
I would love to hear the organ there!
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That was a treat we didn’t get… but I can imagine. The piano was fabulous
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How marvellous. By the way, churches in rocks were once prevalent in earlier times in places such as Southern Italy in old Lucania (Basilicata now). I visited Matera, and a large number of Rupestrian churches have been uncovered in what were the Sassi….cave dwellings
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True….. the ones I have seen are in Caves, one in an old mine. Then of course we hear of the old churches in North Africa and Middle East.
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What an exceptional church ! I saw chapels that where cut out in the rocks in the Alps but never something like this… Thanks for sharing 🙂
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It was a surprise…. and did take your breath away 😃
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How beautiful and interesting, I would love to hear a sermon from within!
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I am sure it would be heightened by the unique location.
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Oh my goodness, that is amazing and intriguing too.
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It was a chance discovery….
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This is amazing, beautiful church, what a great thougt of an architect… I love this church. Thank you, Love, nia
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