Turku Cathedral

Paradoxically, the main Lutheran temple of Finland, standing on the banks of the river Aurajoki for three centuries was Catholic. It began to be built at the end of the XIII century, and periodically it was completed during the XIV-XVII century. There is evidence that even fragments of medieval masonry have been preserved.

The fact is that in the middle of the XIX century, a terrible fire broke out in Turku and the cathedral burned down almost to the ground. Naturally, it was restored and has been standing ever since.

The people of Finland revere this temple. The ringing of its bells is broadcast on the radio, and all festive festivities begin with the bell ringing at Christmas. The church has a museum that tells about more than 700 years of the history of the Cathedral. There are exhibits of the XIV century, various wooden and stone sculptures, a collection of clothes and dishes - in general, everything that was saved in a fire.

In addition, various Finnish military leaders, bishops, aristocracy are buried at the cathedral. Queen Katarina Monsdotter found peace there. The Cathedral is now the seat of the Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.