Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church), Helsinki

The copper dome and windows of the unique Rock Church.
Photo by Aenneken.

The Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church) is a thrilling work of modern architecture in Helsinki. Completed in 1952, it is built entirely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire.

History

The Temppeliaukio Kirkko was designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. They chose a rocky outcrop rising about 40 feet above street level, and blasted out the walls from the inside.

The Temppeliaukio is now most commonly known by its English name, the Rock Church or Church in the Rock. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and frequently full of visitors.

The spaceship-like dome gleams in the setting sun. Photo by Darren Webb.

What to See

The underground Rock Church is built inside of a massive block of natural granite in the middle of an ordinary residential square. From ground level, the shape resembles the ancient tomb at Newgrange, Ireland. But the structure is barely visible from outside, with only the copper dome poking out of the rock. Try to see it from above - it looks like a flying saucer has lodged itself in the ground.

Interior. Photo by Stuart Yeates.

Inside, the church is circular and enclosed by walls of bare rock. The ceiling is a giant disc made of copper wire. The interior is lit by natural light streaming through 180 vertical window panes that connect the dome and the wall.

A solid copper-colored balcony provides a nice view of the church interior from above. The combination of natural and man-made materials in the Rock Church is striking and explains its popularity.

Entrance to the Rock Church. Photo: Jim G.

The Temppeliaukio frequently hosts classical concerts, the raw rock walls making for excellent acoustics. Check the noticeboard at the entrance for a schedule of events. English-language worship services are conducted every Sunday at 2pm.

Location Map

Location map and satellite view of the Rock Church in Helsinki. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around.

Quick Facts

Names:	Temppeliaukio Kirkko; Rock Church; Church in the Rock
Type of site:	Christian church
Status:	Active
Dates:	1969
Size:	Dome is 13m/43ft high
Location:	2 blocks west of the National Museum in the Töölö residential district west of Mannerheimintie, Helsinki, Finland
Tram:	3B or 3T
Address:	Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki, Finland
Phone:	09/49-46-98
Website:
Hours:	Mon,Tu,Th,Fri 10-8, Wed 10-6:30, Sat 10-6, Sun noon-1:45 & 3:30-6 Closed Tuesdays in winter; closed during services and events
Cost:	Free

Sources

More Information

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) - TripAdvisor traveler reviews