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Turku Cathedral is regarded as the principal church of Finland, located in the capital city of Turku. This religious structure holds profound historical significance and is a source of immense pride for the locals. Often referred to as the spiritual heart of Finland, this sacred site boasts an architectural style that leaves visitors in awe from the very first glance. To discover what makes this cathedral so unique, continue reading the article below.
Turku Cathedral, with its grand yet ancient appearance (Image source: Collected)
Essential Information About Turku Cathedral
In many European tour packages to Finland, Turku Cathedral stands out as a major attraction. This ancient and highly significant religious monument is a must-visit. Let’s explore some key highlights about this iconic cathedral!
1. Construction Timeline
Turku Cathedral was constructed around 1229, during the 13th century. Initially, it was a modest wooden church. At that time, it was consecrated as the Church of Saint Mary. By 1330, it was elevated to the status of Finland’s principal cathedral.
2. The Evolution of Turku Cathedral Through Historical Periods
The front area of Turku Cathedral originally housed the pulpit as it does today. In the 14th century, a choir section was added. The structure was further expanded during the 14th and 15th centuries, reaching its current scale. Stone became the primary construction material during this period. By the 15th century, additional chapels were built along the northern and southern sides.
At that time, the vaulted ceiling was raised to its present height of 24 meters. The high altar was relocated to its current position in the 17th century. The cathedral's tower underwent multiple restorations due to fires. However, the great fire of 1827 nearly destroyed the entire Turku Cathedral. As a result, most of the items inside date back to 1830, when the cathedral was restored after the historic fire.
The spacious interior of the cathedral (Image source: Collected)
Initially, the side chapels each had their own altars dedicated to various saints. Later, these spaces were converted into burial vaults. Some graves were placed on the cathedral floor, a practice that continued until the 16th century. Consequently, Turku Cathedral is home to numerous tombs and memorials of notable figures, including King Gustav I and King John III of Sweden, as well as bishops, military commanders, and a queen.
The Unique Architecture of Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral is one of the principal churches in Finland, showcasing a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. The structure features large windows and towering spires, measuring 100 meters in length, 43 meters in width, and 24 meters in height. The interior captivates visitors with its wall paintings, intricate sculptures, and various other artistic elements.
The wall and ceiling paintings represent over 700 years of history. Among them, the most notable is the “Heaven and Hell” painting on the ceiling of Turku Cathedral. Other highlights include sculptures on the windows, as well as bronze and silver artworks.
A glimpse of the impressive architecture inside Turku Cathedral (Image source: Collected)
The altar painting depicting Jesus and his disciples was created in 1836 by Swedish artist Fredrik Westin. The drapes behind the altar and the pulpit date back to 1830 and were designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
The walls feature frescoes by Robert Wilhelm Ekman, painted in a romantic style. These artworks depict events from the life of Jesus, as well as two significant moments in the history of the Finnish Church. Over the years, the cathedral has hosted numerous festivals and concerts.
Other Fascinating Attractions in Turku
If you’re visiting Turku, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. Beyond Turku Cathedral, the region offers a variety of unique destinations. Below, Mytour suggests some must-visit spots to make your journey even more exciting. Let’s take a look at these famous landmarks!
1. Turku Castle (Finland Castle)
Built in 1280, this castle showcases medieval architecture and is one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions. It has served as a defensive fortress, a royal residence, a court, and even a prison for dissenters.
The castle has stood the test of time (Image source: Collected)
Visitors can explore precious artifacts from various eras displayed within the castle. Despite the great fire in Turku, the castle remained largely unaffected due to its distance from the town. It is the largest surviving medieval castle in Finland and one of only three remaining castles in the country.
2. The Great Square (also known as Old Great Square)
This square dates back to the 14th century and served as a meeting place for merchants and locals during the medieval period, fostering bustling marketplaces. The buildings around the square were constructed at different times, creating a unique architectural blend.
The structures here feature a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modern architectural styles. Located close to Turku Cathedral, the square is a convenient spot for exploration and leisurely strolls, making it an ideal destination for visitors.
The historic great fire caused significant damage to the area. After the fire, the locals restored and rebuilt the surrounding structures, including four prominent buildings well-known to tourists: the Hjelt Building, the Old Town Hall, the Juselius Building, and the Brinkkala Building.
3. Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova Museum
Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova is renowned as a museum of history and contemporary art. This unique cultural and historical landmark in Turku seamlessly blends the old and the new, making it a favorite among visitors eager to explore Finland’s medieval past.
Aboa Vetus, meaning 'Old Turku' in Latin, was established in 1995 and holds immense historical significance. Located about 1 km from Turku, it’s an ideal addition to your itinerary after visiting Turku Cathedral. The museum houses artifacts and relics from Turku dating back to the 14th to 19th centuries.
A glimpse of historical artifacts on display at the museum (Image source: Collected)
Ars Nova, meaning 'new art' in Latin, was added in 2000 to showcase contemporary and modern artworks. This addition has significantly increased the museum’s appeal, drawing a large number of visitors eager to explore its unique exhibits.
Turku, a region in Finland, offers countless attractions for exploration. Its ancient structures, including the historic Turku Cathedral, are steeped in history. You can combine a visit to the cathedral with other fascinating destinations. For booking a tour to Finland, contact Mytour anytime! Our 24/7 hotline 028 3827 0404 is always ready to assist you.
