Market Square
Square in Turku, Finland, center for markets and events.
🌐 turku.fi🕒 Mo-Fr 07:00-18:00; Sa 07:00-15:00
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Turku Cathedral
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Historical site
Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and is considered the most significant religious building in the country. Built in the late 13th century and consecrated in 1300, the cathedral is an outstanding example of Brick Gothic architecture in Northern Europe. Over the centuries, it was expanded several times and meticulously restored after fires, especially the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. As a national shrine, the cathedral houses the graves of many famous figures in Finnish history, including Queen Karin Månsdotter. The architecture impresses with its massive dimensions and the magnificent ceiling paintings inside. The cathedral serves not only as a spiritual center but also as a museum documenting Finland's religious and cultural development over seven centuries. Its prominent spire is a landmark visible from afar in the city of Turku and shapes the banks of the Aura River.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Market Square · Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra · Åbo Svenska Teater
- Nearby: Naantali (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -5 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 47 | 42 | 41 | 47 | 65 | 65 | 72 | 63 | 78 | 74 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Turku Cathedral is open to visitors during opening hours and can be entered free of charge. You can view the nave, tombs, and stained-glass windows.
Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with shorter hours on Sundays and holidays. Exact times are available on the cathedral parish website.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the cathedral without flash. Please respect visitors' devotion and do not use a tripod without permission.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a visit. The cathedral's rich history and architecture invite longer stays.
Combine with
Combine the cathedral with a walk along the Aurajoki River and a visit to Turku Castle. The Turku Art Museum is also nearby.
Getting there
The cathedral is in central Turku, within walking distance from the train station or bus station. Parking garages are available in the area.
Insider tip
Visit the cathedral during a lunchtime concert to experience the acoustics. Attending services is also an enriching experience.
Geography
Facts
- Consecration of the cathedral in 1300
- Only grave of a queen in Finland (Karin Månsdotter)
- Tower height is 101.9 meters
- Severely damaged during the Fire of 1827
- Houses a museum of church history
- Center of Finnish Christmas traditions
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Turku Cathedral (10)
Market hall
Market hall in Turku, Finland, offering fresh food and specialties.
🌐 kauppahalli.fi🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00; Sa 08:00-16:00
Teatteri Maneeri
Theatre in Turku, Finland, known for experimental productions.
Pyhän hengen kappeli
Church building in Finland, a place for prayer and quiet.
Betel-kirkko
Church in Turku, Finland, serving the local congregation.
Turku City Hall
Building in Finland, seat of the city administration of Turku.
Qwenselin talo🏛 museum
Historic house in Turku, Finland, now a museum of bourgeois home culture.
Turku Art Museum
Art museum in Finland, showcasing Finnish and international art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was Turku Cathedral built?
It was consecrated in the late 13th century and expanded many times.
Is entrance free?
Yes, entrance to the church is free; the museum has an admission fee.
Who is buried there?
Catherine Månsdotter, a Queen of Sweden, is buried here.
When is the cathedral open?
Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, except during religious services.
Can you take photos in the cathedral?
Yes, it is allowed without flash and outside of service times.
Turku Cathedral: where is it located?
Turku Cathedral is located in Finland.
Turku Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Market Square, Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra, Åbo Svenska Teater.
Turku Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Turku Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and is considered the most significant religious building in the country.
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