Uspenski Cathedral
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Uspenski Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland, a neo-Russian church overlooking Helsinki from a hillside in Katajanokka, surrounded by Tove Jansson Park.
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Why go
- See five domes topped with 22-carat gold.
- Look for Pavel S. Shiltsov’s iconostasis at the front of the church, with the altar behind it.
- See about 700,000 bricks reused from Bomarsund Fortress, demolished during the Crimean War.
- Explore Northern Europe’s largest Orthodox church.
Opening hours
Today12:00 – 15:00Show all
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:30 – 16:00
Wednesday09:30 – 16:00
Thursday09:30 – 16:00
Friday09:30 – 16:00
Saturday12:00 – 15:00
Sunday12:00 – 15:00
Don't miss
- Four granite pillarsFour pillars carved from single granite blocks support the ceiling.Inside the cathedral
- Bell towerThe bell tower houses nine bells and carries a further dome in addition to the cathedral’s five gold-topped domes.Cathedral exterior
- Alexander II memorial plaqueA plaque behind the cathedral commemorates Russian Emperor Alexander II.Behind the cathedral
Interesting facts2
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The name Uspenski comes from the Russian “uspenie,” meaning the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Helsinki/Kruununhaka and Katajanokka - Wikivoyage (see) -
Some icons inside are considered miraculous.
Helsinki/Kruununhaka and Katajanokka - Wikivoyage (see)
Shorts
History
Designed by Alexis Gornostaiev, the cathedral was built with support from parishioners, private donors, Crown Prince Alexander III and Moscow merchants. The surrounding park was planted from 1897.
- 1827The growing Orthodox parish needed a larger church. Alexander II wanted it dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God.
- 1862–1868Alexis Gornostaiev, a founder of the neo-Russian style, designed the cathedral. Parishioners, private donors, Crown Prince Alexander III and Moscow merchants helped fund construction. It opened on 25 October 1868.
- 1897Planting began in the surrounding park, designed by Svante Olsson.
- Second World WarThe rare 19th-century St. Nicolas icon was moved from Vyborg to Helsinki.
- 1960sThe domes were gilded during restoration, completed for the centenary in 1968.
Show all
- 16 August 2007The rare 19th-century St. Nicolas icon was stolen while hundreds of tourists were visiting.
- 2010–2011The Theotokos of Kozeltshan icon was stolen in June 2010 and recovered in February 2011, nearly immaculate after eight months buried.
- 2010–2019A data centre operated in the rock beneath the cathedral.
Tips for your visit
- The church has no pews; a few seats stand along the hall’s edges.
How to get there
- On footThe cathedral’s address is Kanavakatu 1, near Helsinki’s Market Square.
Sources: Uspenski Cathedral - Wikipedia · Helsinki/Kruununhaka and Katajanokka - Wikivoya… · Uspenski-Kathedrale - Wikipedia · Uspenskin katedraali - Wikipedia · Cathédrale Ouspenski - Wikipedia · checked 24 Sep 2026
Where
Pormestarinrinne 1, Helsinki
- Phone
- +358407079609
Questions and answers
Whom does the cathedral serve?
It is the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland and serves Finland’s small Orthodox minority.
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