Turku Cathedral Church

Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: https://www.turku.fi/en/turku-cathedral

Turku Cathedral is the principal church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, located in the centre of Turku. The cathedral was consecrated around the year 1300 and is regarded as Finland’s national shrine and the seat of the Archbishop.

The building combines medieval fabric with later modifications and houses a museum in its crypt that displays ecclesiastical artifacts and items relating to the cathedral’s history. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and also serves as a frequent stop for visitors to Turku’s historic core.

The cathedral stands on the Cathedral Square beside the Aura River in central Turku, within easy walking distance of the city’s main transport and visitor facilities.

• Consecration era: The cathedral was consecrated circa 1300 and has served as a central site in Finnish religious life and national ceremonies ever since.
• Museum and visiting times: A museum in the cathedral crypt presents liturgical objects, medieval finds and exhibits on the building’s history; summer months are the busiest for visitor access and guided tours.

What to See#

• Cathedral: The main cathedral building, a brick and stone church consecrated around the year 1300 that serves as Finland’s principal Lutheran church and the seat of the Archbishop.
• Cathedral Museum (crypt): An adjoining cathedral museum and crypt containing ecclesiastical artifacts, historical displays and the cathedral treasury open to visitors.

The cathedral sits on the banks of the Aura River in central Turku, a short walk from the market square (Kauppatori). From Turku Central Station it is about a 10-15 minute walk southwest along Yliopistonkatu and Aurakatu.

• Climb the cathedral tower (when open) for views across Turku and the Aura River - the climb is steep but short.
• Attend one of the Evensong services to hear the cathedral's historic organ and choir; it's where Finns mark major national events.
• The surrounding cathedral square hosts seasonal markets in summer; early morning light on the brickwork is exceptional for photographers.