St. John's Church

Helsinki, Finland

St. John’s Church was built between 1888-1891. It was designed by A. E. Melander, who win the design competition in 1878. St. John’s Church is most remarkable sample of neo-gothic church architecture in Finland. It’s also biggest stone church in Finland with 2600 seats.

The twin towers are 74 metres in height, and the church has excellent acoustics. It’s therefore used for big concerts and events as well as services. The altarpiece shows Saul's conversion and the painting, called A Divine Revelation, is by Eero Järnefelt, brother-in-law to Jean Sibelius.

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Details

Founded: 1888-1891
Category: Religious sites in Finland
Historical period: Russian Grand Duchy (Finland)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Peter Thompson (3 years ago)
Lovely building, be sure to get there early for the best seats as sound quality can be difficult in some areas
Jesús Marruecos (3 years ago)
Nice church! Very nice architecture outside and a bit more simple inside, with that cosy atmosphere that woods gives inside. Close at 5pm!
Liz Wisely (3 years ago)
Truly magical experience as mass in progress on Sunday morning, peaceful ambience for short break, surprisingly clicked into free wifi
Nikos Gkekas (3 years ago)
The twin-spired Neo-Gothic St. John’s Church is the largest church in Helsinki. It is located on a hill and was completed in 1891 with imposing steeples and an amazing red-brick exterior. You must visit this church to look closely every detail and admire the beauty of this church. The church has wonderful acoustics and is a particular favorite for choral concerts. Every Tuesday 5 o'clock there is an organ session.
Juha Nurmonen (3 years ago)
Very beautiful church and it has been recently renovated. Late 19th century architecture has been preserved in a nice way. The church is open for individuals most days until late afternoon and basic information e.g. about its history is available in Swedish, Finnish, English and Russian. Location by the tram line 10 makes the church easily accessible and historical architecture around the church, as well as the park around it, are the finest Helsinki can offer. I strongly recommend everyone to pay a visit.
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