Kuopio Cathedral
Pohjois-Savo
Kuopio Cathedral is a prominent Evangelical Lutheran church located on Vahtivuori Hill in Kuopio, Finland. Built between 1806 and 1815 in the Neoclassical style, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of Kuopio. The cathedral features a symmetrical cruciform stone structure with a tower on the eastern end and an altar on the western side. It has a seating capacity of approximately 1,500 and covers an area of 1,091 square meters. The interior includes notable elements such as the main organ built by Bruno Christensen & Sønner Orgelbyggeri in 1986 and choir organs from 2003 by Robert Gustavsson Orgelbyggeri. The altar painting "Christ on the Cross," created by Finnish artist Berndt Abraham Godenhjelm in St. Petersburg, was donated in 1843 and is considered one of the finest in Northern Finland. The cathedral has undergone several restorations over the centuries, maintaining its architectural integrity and cultural significance. It is situated near Snellman Park, which together with the cathedral forms a nationally significant cultural environment. Visitors can also see a bust of the Finnish philosopher Johan Vilhelm Snellman in the square before the cathedral. Kuopio Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a key landmark in the city.
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Tip: The cathedral is open daily with extended hours during summer months (June to August). Visitors are advised to check the official website for current opening times and special events. The entrance is accessible via a ramp on Minna Canth Street, providing barrier-free access. Attending a service or concert can enhance the visit experience. Advance reservations are not typically required, but checking for special events is recommended. Induction loop system is available for hearing assistance.
Interesting facts
- •Kuopio Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Kuopio, serving as the central church of the region.
- •During the Finnish War, the cathedral was briefly used as a stable by invading forces.
- •The altar painting "Christ on the Cross" was painted by Berndt Abraham Godenhjelm in St. Petersburg and donated in 1843.
- •The cathedral features two organs: the main organ built in 1986 by Danish builders and choir organs added in 2003 by Swedish builders.
- •The cathedral and the surrounding Snellman Park are classified as a nationally significant built cultural environment by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
History
Kuopio Cathedral was constructed between 1806 and 1815, with delays caused by the Finnish War, during which it was reportedly used as a stable by invading forces.
The building was consecrated in 1816.
It is the fifth church in Kuopio, replacing the original wooden church built in 1552.
Architectural plans were drawn up by Pehr W.
Palmroth in 1795, and construction was led by Jacob Rijf and later Pehr Granstedt.
The cathedral was designated as the seat of the Diocese of Kuopio in 1851.
Over time, it has undergone multiple renovations and restorations, notably in 1866, 1877, 1895, 1925, and 1961, preserving its Neoclassical heritage and structural integrity.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Altar1843
The cathedral's interior features a spacious nave with seating for about 1,500 visitors. The altar area is located at the western end and displays the notable altar painting "Christ on the Cross" by Berndt Abraham Godenhjelm, which is renowned for its relief-like style and artistic quality.
Main Organ1986
Located in the rear gallery, the main organ was built in 1986 by the Danish company Bruno Christensen & Sønner Orgelbyggeri. It features 52 stops, three manuals, and a pedalboard, with a mechanical sound system and electronic controls supporting up to 10,000 combinations.
Choir Organs2003
Installed in 2003 by Swedish builder Robert Gustavsson Orgelbyggeri, the choir organs are located on the right wall of the choir area. They have mechanical playing and control systems and support several couplers for versatile musical performance.
Cathedral Tower
The cathedral tower reaches a height of 35.5 meters from the floor to the roof, and the building stands 56.4 meters above the surface of Lake Kallavesi. It houses two church bells dating from 1928 and 1951, contributing to the cathedral’s auditory presence in the city.
Contact
Phone: 040 4848256
