The History and the Present

The Old Church is an Evangelical Lutheran church designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in 1820s.

What is interesting is that the church was meant to be a temporary church. In the beginning of the 1800s, a smaller church, Ulrika Eleonora Church, stood where the Helsinki Cathedral now stands. In 1818 it was decided that the Ulrika Eleonora Church would be dismantled, and the Helsinki Cathedral would be built in its place. Thus, there was a need for a church that would serve the citizens of Helsinki during the construction of the new cathedral. And that is why the Old Church was built!

The church was funded with the salt duty money granted by the Tsar and it was completed in 1826. Due to its temporary nature, the Old Church was built of wood, and no bells were acquired for it. Later on, the bells were replaced with electric clockwork. 

Nowadays, the Old Church serves the residents of central Helsinki and those who work in the city, as well as visitors. It is in active use for worship and concerts, and one of the most popular churches for weddings in Helsinki.