Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski cathedral was completed in 1868 to a design by Aleksey Gornostayev on a rock outcrop on Katajanokka, overlooking the harbour and the market square, and it is usually described as the largest Orthodox church in western Europe. It is built in red brick in a Russian revival manner with thirteen gilded onion domes, and inside the space opens up around four granite columns under a painted dome, with an iconostasis, icons and hanging lamps. It remains the cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox community in Helsinki and services are held in Finnish. The rock it stands on gives views across the harbour to the Lutheran cathedral on the other side of the water.

What you actually see

• Thirteen gilded onion domes - the roofline above the harbour.
• Red brick Russian revival - the 1868 exterior on its rock.
• The iconostasis and hanging lamps - the interior beneath the painted dome.
• Harbour views from the terrace - the city across the water.

When to go

Year round. One hour. It closes to visitors during services and on some Mondays in winter. Modest dress is appropriate.

Honest expectations

It closes to visitors without much notice for services and events. The interior is dim and photography is restricted. It is on every cruise-ship walking route and can be crowded. The climb up the rock is short but steep.

Nearby

The market square is below; Suomenlinna ferries leave from the harbour.