What is Uspenski Cathedral?
Uspenski Cathedral is second of the two iconic Cathedrals that define the Helsinki skyline. The other one being the white, Helsinki Cathedral, facing each other just a few hundred meters apart. Uspenski is an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, dedicated to Dormition of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary). The location of the Cathedral is very pleasant. It sits on a hill in Katajanokka-district, overlooking at the sea and market square, giving visitors spectaculars views of the city and other historic buildings.
Uspenski Cathedral in a Nutshell
- Consecrated 1868
- Designed by Aleksey Gornostayev, who died before the cathedral was built
- Commissioned by Emperor Alexander II
- It took 9 years to build the cathedral
- The dome rises to 33 meters height
- Over 500 000 people visit the cathedral every year
- Free entrance
- Closed on mondays
How To Get To Uspenski Cathedral
From downtown Helsinki:
- Located in Katajanokka, best way to reach it is by trams 4 and 5, that stops right by it. Stop: Tove Janssonin Puisto
- If you are nearby such as Kauppatori or Helsinki Cathedral, it is just a short walk away
- Bus number 17 stops at Ritarihuone, short walk away
- Tram line 7 to Senaatintori, if you are coming from Kamppi or Länsisatama
What to do at Uspenski Cathedral
Inside the cathedral:
The Orthodox cathderal is full of icons and beauatiful paintings. Entrance is free, so take your time to take pictures and awe at history and culture of the Orthodox religion. There are service and masses everyday, so come join and see the orthodox way. Just outside the cathedral, there is also a chapel devoted for peace, which is worth visiting.
Outside the cathedral:
Get your camera ready to take some landscape photos. Uspenski cathedral is surrounded by sea in 3 sides and the side that is not sea, is downtown Helsinki and silhouette of the beautiful white Helsinki Cathedral. Take your time to walk around the seaside and maybe visit Kauppatori to enjoy some local delicacies.
