Temppeliaukio Church is a Lutheran church in the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki.
The church was designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen
and opened in 1969. Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock
and Rock Church.
The interior was excavated and built directly out of solid rock and is bathed in natural light
which enters through the skylight surrounding the center copper dome.
The church is used frequently as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.
The acoustic quality is created by the rough, virtually unworked rock surfaces.
The Temppeliaukio church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city;
half a million people visit it annually. Before the construction of the church was even
fully complete it made headlines when a group of Christian students painted
in large letters "BIAFRA" in several places on the exterior walls of the building
to bring attention to the famine then going on in Biafra.
The argument of the students - then part of the '60s student revolutionary movement
- was that the money spent on the new lavish church could be better spent on
aid to Biafra and elsewhere in Africa.
I was married to my ex husband in this church very young.
I don’t remember much else from the ceremony, only a big crowd of Japanese tourists.
I lived a few years right opposite the church, in that red building, at the upper floor.
Nowadays the tourist buses cannot park quite near the church,
it caused so much trouble for us local residents.
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Really a very unusual church, dear Riitta,
VastaaPoistathe acoustics must be uniquely good. Unfortunately it has brought you probably no luck, gell.
Love greeting
moni
...wow, what a creative place!
VastaaPoistaMuy interesante. Besos.
VastaaPoistaWow, that's an impressive building. Must feel very peaceful in there.
VastaaPoistaI had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful and interesting church last year.
VastaaPoistaGreat photos
Maria
They make interesting patterns.
VastaaPoistaA masterpiece, absolutely!
VastaaPoistaWhat an unusual church! I've never heard about it but I can see why it's so popular with tourists. It's gorgeous and thanks for sharing your photos.
VastaaPoistaI'm so glad you linked up at 'My Corner of the World' this week!
My Corner of the World
It's very unusual!
VastaaPoistaThat is such an interesting church and in terms of architecture doesn't fit the mold at all. Love it. It is so commanding and full of surprises.
VastaaPoistaThat is very special for a church.
VastaaPoistaWOW! How unique! Love your photos.
VastaaPoistaHappy Wednesday, Riitta
Täytyy vierailla tuolla, kun käymme Hesassa ilman lapsia. Viimeksi oli niin pitkä jono, ettei nuoriso halunnut jäädä odottamaan.
VastaaPoistaPor lo que nos cuentas, has sufrido las consecuencias del exceso turístico, cosa muy común en muchas ciudades, que sus casco históricos movilizan a personas de todo el mundo, y que pueden llegar el momento, de morir por el éxito.
VastaaPoistaEn cuanto a la iglesia, me encanta ese tipo de arquitectura que respeta y está en armonía con la naturaleza. Otra cosa es, el coste de las obras, si ha merecido la pena, o bien se podía haber hecho algo más modesta, y haber dedicado como comunidad religiosa que es, parte del dinero a obras sociales o a ayuda al tercer mundo como reclamaban los estudiantes activistas.
Las imágenes preciosas.
Un abrazo, estimada Riitta.
Hola Manuel,
PoistaEl turismo excesivo y perjudicial es un tema difícil. Muchas ciudades y países viven de ello.
Un taxista en Barcelona dijo exactamente eso: vivimos del turismo. A lo largo de los siglos, diferentes religiones han construido iglesias de lujo, y probablemente continúen haciéndolo ... Tampoco hay una respuesta obvia a esta pregunta:))
Me alegraba tu visita Manuel, te espero feliz verano.
What an amazing church! I would love to visit there.
VastaaPoistaHow wonderful that you got married in this fascinating church. Such wonderful patterns.
VastaaPoistaThank you for sharing the photos and linking up on Wandering Camera!
-Soma
Different but looks a great church to visit
VastaaPoista