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Turku Cathedral
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Turku Cathedral
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Turku Cathedral (Finnish: Turun tuomiokirkko, Swedish: Åbo domkyrka) is the only medieval basilica in Finland and the Mother Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It is the central church of the Lutheran Archdiocese of Turku and the seat of the Lutheran Archbishop of Finland, Tapio Luoma. It is also regarded as one of the major records of Finnish architectural history.

Key Information

Considered to be the most important religious building in Finland, the cathedral has borne witness to many important events in the nation's history and has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols. The cathedral is situated in the heart of Turku next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura. Its presence extends beyond the local precinct by having the sound of its bells chiming at noon broadcast on national radio. It is also central to Finland's annual Christmas celebrations.

The cathedral was originally built out of wood in the late 13th century, and was dedicated as the main cathedral of Finland in 1300, the seat of the Catholic bishop of Turku. It was considerably expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries, mainly using stone as the construction material. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, and was rebuilt to a great extent afterwards.

History

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Turku Cathedral plan
Turku Cathedral cross section

As the town of Turku began to emerge in the course of the 13th century as the most important trading centre in Finland, the Bishop's see of the Diocese of Finland was transferred from its previous location at Koroinen, some distance further up on the bank of Aura river, to the middle of the town. By the end of the 13th century, a new stone church had been completed on the site of the former wooden-built parish church on Unikankare Mound, and it was consecrated on 17 June 1300 by Bishop Magnus I as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Henry, the first Bishop of Finland.[2]

At its earliest the cathedral was smaller than the present building. Its east front was where the pulpit stands now, and its roof was considerably lower than at the moment. Extensions were made to the cathedral throughout the Middle Ages. One of the cathedral's most well-known skull relic dates from this period.[3] During the 14th century a new choir was added, from which the octagonal Gothic pillars in the present chancel originate. Throughout the Middle Ages, the high altar was located opposite the easternmost pillars of the nave, until it was transferred to its present location in the apse, in what had previously been the Chapel of All Saints, in the mid-17th century.

During the 15th century, side-chapels were added along the north and south sides of the nave, containing altars dedicated to various saints. One of which is the reliquary tomb of Bishop Hemming of Turku (1290–1366) surviving from the medieval period. He was the 12th bishop of Turku died in 1366. Bishop Hemming was a significant benefactor to the Turku Cathedral, overseeing major restorations in the 14th century. He was also a close friend of the Saint Birgitta of Sweden. After he died he originally was buried in the choir of the Turku Cathedral. However, in 1514 his remains were relocated to a niche on the north aisle of the church as he had been recognized as blessed by Pope Leo X, and thus his remains gained a new reliquary status.[4] The reliquary container is a wooden chest decorated in the style of the early 16th century, though its colors are dulled over time, and now only traces of gold, yellow, blue and red remain, it is still easy to see that it would have been bright and colorful when it was first made. The niche is located next to the pulpit, in a rather dark and not clearly visible spot, thought the niche and the location by the aisle make it easily accessible, which would have been important feature due to its reliquary status.

Another historically important figure buried in the Turku Cathedral is Queen consort Karin Månsdotter (1550–1612). She was the Queen of Sweden for a short period alongside Erik XIV but lived many decades of her life in the current day Finland. Upon her death in 1612 she was buried under the floor of the Tott Chapel on the south side of the cathedral. She was first buried to the Tott Chapel Tott family. In the 1860s her remains were raised from the burial vault by the Memorial Committee and they were moved to the Kankas Chapel in which she now resides in a black marble sarcophagus decorated with a crown resting on a golden pillow.[5] The chapel itself is decorated in the 19th century after the Great Fire of Turku in 1827.

By the end of the Middle Ages there were 42 side chapels in total. The roof-vaults were also raised during the latter part of the 15th century to their present height of 24 meters. Thus, by the beginning of the Modern era, the church had approximately taken on its present shape. The major later addition to the cathedral is the tower, which has been rebuilt several times, as a result of repeated fires. The worst damage was caused by the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, when most of the town was destroyed, along with the interior of both the tower and the nave and the old tower roof. The present spire of the tower, constructed after the great fire, reaches a height of 101 meters above sea level, and is visible over a considerable distance as the symbol of both the cathedral and the city of Turku itself.

In the reformation the cathedral was taken by the Lutheran Church of Finland (Sweden). Most of the present interior also dates from the restoration carried out in the 1830s, following the Great Fire. The altarpiece, depicting the Transfiguration of Jesus, was painted in 1836 by the Swedish artist Fredrik Westin. The reredos behind the high altar, and the pulpit in the crossing, also both date from the 1830s, and were designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, known in Finland for his several other highly regarded works. The walls and roof in the chancel are decorated with frescos in the Romantic style by the court painter Robert Wilhelm Ekman, which depict events from the life of Jesus, and the two key events in the history of the Finnish Church: the baptism of the first Finnish Christians by Bishop Henry by the spring at Kupittaa, and the presentation to King Gustav Vasa by the Reformer Michael Agricola of the first Finnish translation of the New Testament.

The cathedral houses three organs. The current main organ of the cathedral was built by Veikko Virtanen Oy of Espoo, Finland, in 1980, and features 81 ranks with a mechanical action.

Materials of the church

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The first church in the location of the Turku Cathedral was made of wood, however, during the Middle Ages, the use of wood as a building material in cities was not recommended as a city-wide fire prevention method. The initial parts of the current church were constructed with grey stone and clay bricks, though the production of bricks was quite limited in Finland at the time and bricks were mainly used only for the church buildings. It is considered unusual that bricks would have been transported over long distances and therefore it is believed that brick production sites were generally built nearby the main construction site. Written records have been found mentioning a clay pit near the cathedral, owned by the local Dominican order. Many other churches remaining now from the medieval period are mainly made of stone and wood, and the use of brick was exceptional narrowed down to places that had brick making possibilities on site or nearby. The shaping of stone was still undeveloped in the 14th century in Finland and even though it was used for some churches and cellars it was not practical for more detailed use.[6]

Renovation of Turku Cathedral in the 2020s

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An extensive renovation of Turku Cathedral is set to take place during this decade. The last major renovation occurred between 1976 and 1979, and the cathedral’s technical building systems now require modernization to meet contemporary needs. Work is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028 — just in time for the 800th anniversary of the city of Turku. Turku Cathedral will be closed to the public for entire renovation period, 9 February 2026 – 2 December 2028. [7] Due to the scale of the renovations, there won't be any weddings or other events in Turku Cathedral during the renovation in 2026-2028.

In addition to upgrades to the building systems, the project aims to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience while ensuring that the cathedral remains a functional and welcoming place of worship for modern-day Christian congregations. The project takes into account both functionality and historical preservation. One key goal is to repurpose underutilized backstage areas into new meeting spaces for the congregation. However, only minor modifications will be made to the main church hall.

During the upcoming renovation of the Cathedral, also the Turku Cathedral Museum will be reconstructed, but it will remain open throughout the summer of 2025. The museum will close 30 September 2025 for renovation, and will reopen after the renovation with refreshed exhibitions.

Notable people buried in the cathedral

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Turku Cathedral

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from Grokipedia
Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the and the country's national shrine, serving as its principal cathedral and most significant historical monument. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Henry, Finland's first bishop, it is a medieval stone constructed primarily in the Gothic style, with a history spanning over 700 years. Consecrated on June 17, 1300, after beginning as a small wooden dedicated to Saint Mary around the mid-13th century on the Unikankare hill in , the cathedral has undergone numerous expansions, reconstructions, and renovations due to fires and other damages. The cathedral's early development marked the establishment of the Diocese of Turku, with the episcopal see relocating from Koroinen to the site by the late 13th century, solidifying Turku's role as Finland's ecclesiastical center during the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, a new choir was added, followed by the construction of side chapels in the 15th century, which once housed 42 altars, and the raising of its vaults to 24 meters in height, enhancing its grandeur as a pilgrimage and liturgical site. The Reformation reached the cathedral between 1527 and 1599, introducing Lutheran worship; notably, Mikael Agricola, the father of Finnish literature, translated the New Testament there in the 1540s. Multiple fires devastated the structure, including a major blaze in 1827 that destroyed the interior and the original tower, leading to a neoclassical restoration in the 1830s under architect Carl Ludwig Engel, who redesigned the tower to its current height of 101 meters. Architecturally, the cathedral features Gothic pillars, a prominent altarpiece painted by Fredrik Westin in the 1830s depicting the Transfiguration of Christ, and frescos by Robert Wilhelm Ekman illustrating biblical scenes and Finnish ecclesiastical history. Key interior elements include the Tavast Chapel with its medieval wrought-iron railing and the south gallery, which houses the Cathedral Museum displaying artifacts from the early 1300s onward, such as relics and historical items. It serves as the burial place for notable figures, including medieval bishops like Hemming and Magnus II Tavast, 17th-century military leader Torsten Stålhandske, and Queen , consort of King Eric XIV of Sweden, interred in 1613. As a cultural and religious landmark, Turku Cathedral symbolizes Finland's Christian heritage and hosts regular services, including English-language masses by the International Congregation every Sunday at 4 PM. Currently, it is undergoing an extensive renovation, remaining open to visitors daily from 9 AM to 6 PM until February 8, 2026, after which it will close to the public until at least December 2, 2028, with the museum shuttered since October 1, 2025. A major restoration was completed in 1979, preserving its post-1827 neoclassical elements alongside medieval features.

History

Early construction and medieval development

The origins of Turku Cathedral trace back to the mid-, when a small wooden dedicated to Saint Mary was constructed on Unikankare Hill in , serving as the local place of worship amid the emerging settlement. By the late , as grew in importance as a trading and center, of a more durable stone structure began around 1276, replacing the wooden building and marking the transition to a permanent landmark in . This initial stone phase, incorporating elements of Romanesque and , laid the foundation for what would become the diocese's primary church. On June 17, 1300, the stone church was consecrated as the Cathedral of by Bishop Magnus I, establishing it as the main cathedral of and the seat of the Catholic bishopric, which was relocated from the nearby site of Koroinen. The dedication honored the Virgin Mary and Saint Henry, the 12th-century English bishop and missionary considered the patron saint of , reflecting the cathedral's role in consolidating Christian authority in the region. As the , it functioned as the administrative and spiritual hub of the Diocese of Finland under Catholic bishops until the Protestant in the disrupted the medieval ecclesiastical order. Medieval development continued through the 14th and 15th centuries, with significant expansions enhancing the cathedral's scale and functionality. In the 14th century, a new choir was added, featuring octagonal Gothic pillars, and a stone tower was constructed to symbolize the growing prominence of the bishopric. By the early 15th century, side chapels—eventually numbering 42 and housing altars to various saints—were built along the north and south aisles of the nave, while the vaulted ceilings of the main aisle were raised to approximately 24 meters, completing the basilica's core medieval form. These additions, primarily using local stone and brick, accommodated increasing liturgical needs and pilgrim traffic, solidifying the cathedral's status as Finland's foremost religious site during the Catholic era.

Reconstructions and major damages

The Reformation reached Turku by 1523, severing ties with the Roman Catholic Church that year, though full Lutheran adoption took until 1599. Catholic traditions were largely discarded, including the removal of 42 side altars and the storage of saint images, while the interior was adapted with the addition of pews to accommodate the new liturgical practices. During this period, , known as the father of , translated the at the cathedral in the 1540s. By 1599, the Lutheran faith was fully adopted in , marking the end of the Catholic era at the cathedral and leading to the simplification of its decorative elements. Throughout the 16th to 18th centuries, the endured repeated damages from wars and s, necessitating partial reconstructions. Its collections were plundered during periods of conflict, such as the Swedish-Russian wars, while a significant in 1681 caused substantial structural harm, prompting repairs to the tower and other affected areas. These events led to incremental adaptations, including the conversion of side chapels into funeral vaults by the late and multiple rebuilds of the tower, which had collapsed or been damaged several times. The most devastating incident occurred during the on September 4–5, 1827, which destroyed the tower, much of the interior, and over 780 houses in the city. Reconstruction began in the 1830s under the direction of architect , who incorporated neoclassical elements such as a new in 1836, a , and a , blending them with the surviving medieval structure. As part of this effort, the current tower spire was added post-1827, reaching a height of 101 meters above and restoring the cathedral's prominent presence. The overall structure now stands at approximately 85.53 meters in height, symbolizing resilience amid repeated crises.

Modern renovations and developments

The major renovation of Turku Cathedral, conducted between and , focused on restoring the to its medieval form while incorporating modern equipment to support contemporary use. This work included the installation of updated technical systems essential for the cathedral's functionality as a and public gathering. The project, overseen by architectural firms with expertise in , marked a significant effort to preserve the building's integrity after centuries of wear. In the late , additional updates addressed specific elements of the cathedral's interior. A notable development was the installation of a new main organ in 1980 by Finnish builder Veikko Virtanen, featuring 81 stops and becoming the second-largest mechanical organ in at the time. This replacement enhanced the cathedral's musical capabilities for services and concerts, reflecting ongoing maintenance to sustain its role in liturgical and cultural activities. The most ambitious project in recent decades is the comprehensive renovation announced in 2024 and scheduled to commence in early 2026, aimed at ensuring the cathedral's longevity through structural and functional improvements. The cathedral will close to the public from February 9, 2026, to December 2, 2028, to allow for full-scale work, including modernization of technical systems such as lighting and sound, addition of an external shaft for better , installation of accessible steps and a people's , and energy-efficient upgrades to building utilities. These enhancements will also involve repurposing backstage and attic spaces into meeting areas, renovations to St. Ursula’s Chapel, and expansions to the Domcafé, all while preserving the site's status as a . The associated Turku Cathedral Museum closed on October 1, 2025, to facilitate these changes and will reopen in Advent 2028 with refreshed exhibitions. As of November 2025, the cathedral remains open to visitors amid ongoing preparations, including detailed planning and design finalization to align with Turku's 800th anniversary celebrations in late 2028.

Architecture

Exterior design and structure

Turku Cathedral exemplifies a medieval layout, characterized by a long flanked by aisles, a crossing, and an eastern , reflecting Gothic architectural principles with early Romanesque influences in its robust proportions and rounded elements. The structure measures approximately 89 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with the and vaults rising to 24 meters high, creating a vertical emphasis typical of Gothic design while incorporating brick construction common to northern European examples. The most striking exterior feature is the prominent western tower, standing at 101 meters tall, which was rebuilt following the Great Fire of 1827 under the direction of architect Carl Ludwig Engel and topped with a that includes clock faces for civic function. This addition dominates the skyline and serves as a visual landmark, its height enhanced by the post-fire reconstruction that preserved some original medieval elements amid neoclassical modifications. The facade showcases Gothic stylistic elements, including pointed-arch portals at the main entrances and exterior buttresses positioned at the corners to support the walls, integrated with brickwork accents from the 19th-century restorations. The use of red brick, a hallmark of in the region, predominates, with the surrounding churchyard enclosed by these structural supports and auxiliary chapels. Among the exterior appendages, side were added along the north and south sides during the , including the Kankas Chapel, which extends the basilica's footprint and contributes to the overall fortified silhouette against the adjacent . These extensions, built in matching brick, enhance the cathedral's horizontal breadth while maintaining the Gothic verticality of the main body.

Interior features and materials

The interior of Turku Cathedral follows a three-aisled basilica layout, characterized by tall Gothic vaults reaching 24 meters in height and supported by octagonal pillars in the chancel area. This design creates a spacious nave capable of accommodating up to 1,400 worshippers seated on wooden pews. The overall internal volume emphasizes verticality and light, with the vaults contributing to the acoustic qualities suited for choral and organ music. Prominent artistic elements include the Romantic-style frescoes adorning the chancel walls and roof, painted by Robert Wilhelm Ekman to depict scenes from the life of Jesus and the history of the Finnish Church. Stained glass windows in the north-side chapels, crafted in the 1870s by artist Wladimir Schwertschkoff, add vibrant color and narrative detail to the space. The high altar features a reredos and pulpit designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the 1830s, complemented by an altarpiece painted in 1836 by Fredrik Westin illustrating the Transfiguration of Christ. Musical fixtures enhance the liturgical function, with the main organ—built in 1980 by Veikko Virtanen—comprising 6,057 pipes across 81 stops, making it one of Finland's largest instruments. The contains eight bells, the oldest dating to 1723, which ring in programmed sequences throughout the day. Construction materials consist primarily of grey stone sourced from local quarries for the foundational and structural elements, combined with clay bricks manufactured on-site during the medieval period for vaulting and facing. Later restorations incorporated to cover and protect interior surfaces, particularly around frescoed areas.

Religious and cultural significance

Role in the Finnish Church

Turku Cathedral holds a central position in the as its and national shrine, symbolizing the spiritual heart of the nation's predominant denomination. Since 1554, it has served as the seat of the —elevated to an archdiocese in 1923—where the , Tapio Luoma as of 2025, presides over the church's highest ecclesiastical affairs. This role was established with the consecration of , the first Lutheran bishop of Turku, marking the transition from Catholic to Protestant governance amid the Reformation's spread to . The cathedral actively fulfills its liturgical functions by hosting key services that underscore its institutional importance within the Finnish Church. It conducts ordinations for and , such as the 2018 installation of Tapio Luoma and the 2021 consecration of Mari Leppänen, the first woman in that role. Confirmations, a in Lutheran tradition, are regularly performed here, alongside routine Sunday worship in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Nationally, it features prominent events like Independence Day celebrations on December 6, including performances of Sibelius's and open houses as part of the Path of Light tradition. Post-Reformation adaptations transformed the cathedral to align with Lutheran principles, emphasizing scripture and preaching over Catholic rituals. The 42 side dedicated to saints were discontinued, with images and statues stored away, simplifying the space to focus worship on a single main and the for congregational sermons. Side chapels were repurposed as vaults, and wooden pews were added to accommodate seated participation, reflecting the shift toward a more communal and Word-centered that took hold by 1593. As of 2025, Turku Cathedral continues to operate fully for worship, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with services including Sunday masses, until its scheduled closure to the public on February 9, 2026, for comprehensive renovations expected to conclude on December 2, 2028. During this period, no on-site weddings, events, or services will occur due to the extensive work on building utilities and interiors.

Notable events and memorials

Turku Cathedral has hosted several significant historical events that underscore its role in Finnish and Scandinavian history. The cathedral also served as a key site during Finland's transition to independence in 1917, symbolizing the end of Russian rule and the nation's emerging sovereignty. The cathedral is a prominent burial site for medieval and early modern figures, reflecting its ecclesiastical importance. Bishop Hemming, who served as the 12th bishop of Turku from 1338 to 1366 and is venerated as a local saint, was initially buried there; in 1514, during his beatification ceremony—the last major Catholic event before the Reformation—his remains were relocated to a reliquary niche on the north aisle, crafted by local artisans. Other medieval bishops interred include Magnus II Tavast, Olaus Magni, Konrad Bitz, and Magnus III Särkilahti, whose tombs highlight the site's role as the mother church of Finland's diocese. Queen Karin Månsdotter, consort of King Eric XIV of Sweden, who died in 1612, was originally buried in the Tott Chapel; in 1867, her sarcophagus was moved to the Kankas Chapel (also known as Kankainen Chapel), where it remains as a black marble monument adorned with a crown on a golden cushion. Post-Reformation burials include military leaders such as Torsten Stålhandske, Åke Tott, and Evert Horn, but there have been no major interments of national figures in the 20th or 21st centuries. Memorial chapels and plaques within the cathedral commemorate Finnish historical figures and emphasize its enduring symbolism amid adversity. The Kankas Chapel, housing Queen Karin's tomb, serves as a dedicated , while plaques and epitaphs honor bishops and commanders who shaped Finland's and past, portraying the cathedral as a of resilience after devastating fires in 1681 and especially 1827, as well as wartime damages during the . These elements collectively position the as a of continuity and recovery. The cathedral also hosts prominent cultural events that celebrate its musical heritage. Annual Christmas concerts, often featuring choral and organ performances, draw large audiences during the holiday season, continuing a tradition rooted in the site's liturgical importance. The Turku International Organ Concerts, held weekly in summer, showcase international organists on the cathedral's grand instruments, fostering a atmosphere. Frescoes in the chancel, painted in the Romantic style by Robert Wilhelm Ekman in the , depict local saints such as St. Henry—Finland's patron and first bishop—baptizing converts, alongside scenes of Bishop Hemming and reformer , integrating regional into the artistic narrative.

References

  1. https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english
  2. https://en.visitturku.fi/kohdekortit/turku-cathedral
  3. https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english/history-of-turku-cathedral
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S129620742300050X
  5. https://saints.dh.gu.se/explore/places/5613
  6. https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/english/about-us/history-in-brief
  7. https://lpsphoto.top/en/finland/turku-tuomiokirkko
  8. https://ark-lpr.fi/en/project-news-renovation-of-turku-cathedral/
  9. https://www.pipedreams.org/profile/turku-cathedral-virtanen
  10. https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english/cathedral-renovation
  11. https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/english/churches-and-chapels/turku-cathedral
  12. https://tys.fi/en/turku-cathedral
  13. https://mapy.com/en/?source=osm&id=1051780316
  14. https://www.utupub.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/149739/AnnalesB514Ratilainen.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  15. https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/16608/master_Tani_Nanako_2015.pdf
  16. https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/turku-cathedral-40886.html
  17. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikael-Agricola
  18. https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english/cathedral-as-a-church
  19. https://lutheranworld.org/news/tapio-luoma-installed-archbishop-finland
  20. https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/news-in-brief/18657-gallery-turku-makes-history-with-first-female-bishop.html
  21. https://vapaa-aika.turku.fi/en-FI/page/69020be2be341f049fb92b89
  22. https://figuringoutfinland.substack.com/p/finnish-independence-day
  23. https://www.academia.edu/2542608/Finger_of_a_saint_thumb_of_a_priest_Medieval_relics_in_the_Diocese_of_Turku_and_the_archaeology_of_lived_bodies
  24. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/karin-mansdotter-queen-of-sweden/
  25. http://www.famous-historic-buildings.org.uk/turku_cathedral_142.html
  26. https://kalenteri.turku.fi/en-FI/page/681b54c6dd8f082bd40eb579
  27. https://www.turkuorgan.fi/en/
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