Old Church of Helsinki

The Old Church of Helsinki

The Old Church is the oldest preserved church of the centre of Helsinki, a wooden building nestled in a park. The Helsinki audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this peaceful sanctuary, a witness of the beginnings of the modern town.

The wooden church in its park

The Old Church of Helsinki, Vanha kirkko, is the oldest preserved church of the city centre. Built at the beginning of the nineteenth century in wood, in a sober neoclassical style, by the architect Carl Ludvig Engel who also designed the Senate Square, it was meant to be a temporary building before the construction of the great cathedral. It stands in the middle of a peaceful and green park, the Old Church Park, a haven of calm in the heart of the lively town. Modest but imbued with history, it testifies to the beginnings of modern Helsinki, when the town became capital. You discover it with respect, in the tranquillity of its green setting.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the oldest preserved church of the centre, a neoclassical wooden building designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, nestled in the middle of a peaceful and green park, a haven of calm in the heart of Helsinki. The Old Church testifies to the beginnings of the modern town. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Old Church lies in the Old Church Park, in the centre of Helsinki, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. The surrounding park is freely accessible and peaceful. It is best to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Old Church of Helsinki important?

It is the oldest preserved church of the centre, a neoclassical wooden building designed by Carl Ludvig Engel at the beginning of the nineteenth century, a witness of the beginnings of modern Helsinki, nestled in a peaceful park.

Where is the Old Church of Helsinki?

In the Old Church Park, in the centre of Helsinki, in Finland.