Helsinki Old Church, Helsinki

The Old Church has been an integral part of the Helsinki area since 1727. It started in a temporary building that was named the Ulrika Eleonora Church. The local congregation finally outgrew this location, so it became necessary to build a new structure. That building was started in 1826 and was finally completed in 1852.

It is mainly a wooden church built in a neoclassical style of architecture. Some of the material from the original structure was also re-used in this current building. The benches, lighting and the church organ were removed and reset in the current home of the faithful. Over the years, though, the pipe organ was replaced by a 36 stop model in 1869.

The altarpiece is quite beautiful. It is one of the prettiest pieces of religious art to be found in the city. It was done by the Finnish painter Robert Ekman who is best known for his romantic portraits. It was originally intended for the Helsinki Cathedral, but ended up here instead.

The church is located inside a local park that is maintained by the city. Unsurprisingly, the park is called the Old Church Park. It is also referred to by the locals as Plague Park because over a thousand people died of the plague in 1710 are buried right next to the place.