The lutheran white cathedral

The Cathedral is the symbol of Helsinki...

Alexander I decided to build the new capital in Helsinki and its government buildings in Senate Square. The Tsar called on the German architect Engel, who drew up the construction plans for the Senate, the first public building built in 1812, then the university in 1827 and the white Lutheran cathedral dominating the square, which was inaugurated in 1830 and completed after the death of the architect in 1852. The steps in others were added and cut in the granite rock, which covers all the city. The Church is open to the public outside the hours of religious service. In winter the front steps are covered in snow and you can sledge down to Senate Square and in summer just sit and drink a coffee enjoying a ray of sunshine. The church and Senate Square are the places of many concerts, shows and exhibitions such as the coronation of Saint Lucia on December 13 and the Christmas market. The Cathedral is also illuminated with a colourful light show at the beginning of January which is called Lux and lasts for several days.