Rock Church (Temppeliaukio)
Ideal: Very good for architecture, design, and distinctive cultural spaces.
Temppeliaukio opened in 1969; brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen blasted the church directly into the granite block in the square. The walls were not plastered — bare rock was left as found. The copper dome covering the top was made by wrapping 22 kilometres of copper strip, and daylight filters in only through 180 windows around it. The way the rock surface reflects sound made the acoustics so good that the space is regularly used as a concert hall.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1969
- Architect
- Tuomo Suomalainen
- Architectural style
- modern architecture
- Elevation
- 30 m
- Heritage status
- church-protected building
- Material
- granite
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
How was the church built?
Temppeliaukio Church was excavated directly into solid granite in 1969. The walls are bare rock, topped by a dome wound with 22 km of copper wire.
Why are the acoustics so good?
The rough rock surface scatters sound naturally. The church is therefore a regular concert venue, and many albums have been recorded in it.
Where does the light come from?
Daylight enters through 180 windows between the beams supporting the dome. From outside the church appears only as a low dome — most of it lies below ground level.
Why go?
- To see the unique interior carved into rock
- To feel Helsinki's modern design and architectural approach
- For a different city break with acoustics and calm atmosphere
Travel tip
Check visiting hours in advance; entry arrangements change during concerts or special events.
