Turku Cathedral
Varsinais-Suomi
Turku Cathedral, located in Turku, Finland, is the country's foremost medieval stone church and its only medieval basilica. Constructed mainly from the late 13th century onward, it embodies architectural styles ranging from Romanesque through Gothic to Neo-Gothic due to its prolonged building phases. The cathedral has served as Finland's national shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Henry, the first bishop of Finland. It stands on a low hill by the Aura River and is notable for its substantial size, measuring 89 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a tower height of 85.53 meters. Over centuries, the cathedral was expanded with chapels and fortified with a thick surrounding wall and associated buildings, many later used by the Turku Academy. It suffered significant damage during the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, after which its tower was rebuilt with a design by Carl Ludvig Engel. The cathedral houses a museum exhibiting medieval religious artifacts, textiles, and silverware from both Catholic and post-Reformation periods. Currently, it is undergoing extensive renovations scheduled until late 2028. Turku Cathedral remains a key cultural and historical monument, representing Finland's ecclesiastical heritage and medieval architecture.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan their visit outside the renovation period from February 2026 to December 2028, as the cathedral will be closed for extensive restoration. Virtual tours are available online for those interested in exploring the cathedral remotely. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the surrounding historical district is pleasant for walking. Booking tickets in advance is recommended when the cathedral reopens, and visitors can often find discounts for groups or students.
Faits intéressants
- •Turku Cathedral is Finland's only medieval basilica and is often called the national shrine of Finland, though unofficially.
- •The cathedral's tower height is 85.53 meters, making it a prominent landmark in Turku.
- •It was heavily damaged in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, which destroyed its interior and the tower's original spire.
- •The current tower spire was designed by renowned architect Carl Ludvig Engel after the 1827 fire.
- •The cathedral is surrounded by a 1-meter thick and 3.5-meter high defensive wall built in the late 15th century.
- •The cathedral houses a museum with artifacts from both the Catholic era and the post-Reformation period, including textiles and silver objects.
Histoire
The origins of Turku Cathedral trace back to the late 13th century, with initial construction likely beginning with a wooden church.
It was consecrated between 1292 and 1309, though exact dates remain uncertain.
The cathedral was built primarily of grey stone by the late 14th or early 15th century.
It was damaged by Novgorodian forces in 1318, leading to extensive rebuilding and expansion, including the addition of chapels throughout the 15th century.
A defensive wall and auxiliary buildings were constructed around the cathedral in the late 15th century.
The cathedral flourished during the Catholic era, accumulating numerous chapels and altars sponsored by noble families.
It suffered major damage in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, leading to reconstruction of the tower and interior, with the current spire designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
The cathedral has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries, respecting its historical and architectural significance.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Central Hall15th century
The central area of the cathedral features a vaulted ceiling and large windows above the side aisles, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. The nave's architecture reflects the Gothic style developed during the 15th century rebuilding phases.
Chapel of All Saints (Kaikkien Pyhien kappeli)1470s
Built in the 1470s at the eastern end of the cathedral, this large polygonal chapel serves as the main choir and is a significant example of late medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Finland.
Defensive Wall and ChurchyardLate 15th century
A thick stone wall about one meter wide and 3.5 meters high surrounds the cathedral, enclosing a protected churchyard with several auxiliary buildings historically used by the Turku Academy.
Tower and Spire1827 (spire)
The cathedral's tower was raised three times and rebuilt after the 1827 fire, with the current spire designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. It stands at 85.53 meters tall and is a dominant feature of Turku's skyline.
Cathedral Museum
Located on the southern gallery, the museum displays religious statues, textiles, and silverware from the medieval Catholic period and the post-Reformation era, offering insight into the cathedral's rich history.
Contact
Téléphone: 040 3417100