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Turku Cathedral, Finland.Author Radosław Botev.

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Turku Cathedral

Turku Cathedral is the only medieval Basilica in Finland and the Mother Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Constructions of Turku Cathedral commenced in 1276 and were completed in 1300. It has a length of eighty-nine metres, thirty-eight metres wide and a height of 101.90 metres.

Turku Cathedral has a capacity of one thousand four hundred people. It is the central church of the Lutheran Archdiocese of Turku located in the administration of Western Finland. Turku Cathedral is the seat of the Lutheran Archbishop of Finland, Tapio Luoma.

The church is regarded as one of the major records of Finnish architectural history. It is originally built out of wood and expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries. During these expansions, stones were majorly used as construction materials.

In 1827, the Cathedral was badly damaged during the Great fire of Turku but was reconstructed well. Several important events in Finland’s history were conducted here and it is the city’s most recognisable symbol. Turku Cathedral is situated in the heart of Turku next to the Old Great Square by the river Aura. The Cathedral is also the central location for annual Christmas celebrations.

Here are the Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Turku Cathedral:

1. It took 24 Years to Complete the Construction of the Cathedral

Turku Cathedral is one of the medieval Basilica buildings in Turku, Finland. This Cathedral took several years to build into what it stands to be currently. The architectural history of Finland with the style of Gothic, Romanesque and Gothic Revival is clear.

Construction of Turku Cathedral commenced in 1276 and took twenty-four years to complete it. By 1300, Turku Cathedral was ready for the services and congregations.

2. The Cathedral was Consecrated as Cathedral Church of Finland’s First Bishop

Previously, there was a smaller and wooden-built parish church on Unikankare Mound. The construction of Turku Cathedral took place for twenty-four years and by the end of the 13th century, a new stone house was completed.

It was then consecrated as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Henry. Saint Henry was the first Bishop of Finland.

3. The Reliquary Tomb of Bishop Hemming is at the Cathedral

Turku Cathedral in Turku, Finland.Author Andrei Niemimäki.

Turku Cathedral has several side chapels which are dedicated to various Saints. One of the most visible tombs is of Bishop of Hemming of Turku which is surviving from the medieval period. Bishop Hemming was the 12th bishop of Turku who died in 1366.

The Bishop had overseen major restorations of the cathedral in the 14th century and was a major benefactor. After his death, he was originally buried in the choir of the Turku Cathedral. In 1514, his remains were relocated to a niche on the north aisle of the church and blessed by Pope Leo the tenth.

His remains gained a new reliquary status and are preserved in a wooden chest decorated in the style of the early 16th century. The colours have dulled but the traces of gold, yellow, blue and red remain.

4. Queen Consort Karin Mansdotter was Buried in the Cathedral

Several important figures were buried in the Cathedral. Other than renowned Bishops, some royal people were buried in the Cathedral. Queen consort Karin Mansdotter was buried in Turku Cathedral.

She was the Queen of Sweden for a short period alongside Erik XIV. However, she lived many decades of her life in Finland. In 1612, the Queen died and was buried under the floor of the Tott Chapel on the south side of the cathedral.

In the 1860s, her remains were moved to the Kankas Chapel by the Memorial Committee. She now resides in a black marble sarcophagus decorated with a crown resting on a golden pillow.

5. The Great Fire of Turku Destroyed the Cathedral

Turku Cathedral Organ.Author Pavlin Petkov.

Turku Cathedral was in service for the people for a very long time since it was completed. Major renovations and additions were made over the years as the expansion of the cathedral continued.

However, in 1827, the cathedral suffered major damage from the Great fire of Turku. 75% of Turku was burnt including Turku Cathedral during this worst fire.

The interior of both the tower and the nave and the old tower roof was badly destroyed during this incident. Some other small fire incidents also damaged part of the cathedral which was constructed again.

6. The Spire of the Cathedral can be seen at a Considerable Distance

Among the renovations made to the cathedral was built the spire of the tower. The last renovation of the tower was made after the Great Fire of Turku.

The spire of the tower of the cathedral reaches a height of 101 metres above sea level. With this height, it is visible over a considerable distance as the symbol of both the cathedral and the city of Turku itself.

7. Turku Cathedral is Considered to be the most Important Religious Building in Finland

Turku cathedral is seen from Tuomiokirkkosilta.Author Ypsilon from Finland.

There are several medieval buildings and landmarks in Finland, but not all are that important to the country. Located in the city of Turku, Turku Cathedral is considered to be the most important religious building in Finland.

The cathedral has borne witness to several important events in the history of Finland. It is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols when you get to Turku.

8. The Cathedral is Situated in the Heart of Turku

Turku Cathedral is the most important religious building in Finland and is located at a very strategic location where it can be located with ease. It is situated in the heart of the city of Turku next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura.

The presence of the cathedral extends beyond the local precinct by having the sound of its bells chiming at noon every day. You cannot resist stopping over at the cathedral when you visit the city.

9. It is Central to Finland’s Annual Christmas Celebrations

Turku Cathedral on December morning.Author Johan.

Among the most important celebrations and functions to be held at Turku Cathedral is Christmas celebrations. Every year, residents of Turku and other visitors gather at Turku Cathedral where they celebrate Christmas.

Christmas hymns fill the air during the eve and actual day as residents share what they have. Christmas is the best period to visit the cathedral.

10. Turku Cathedral has a Capacity of 1,400 People

Catedral de Turku, na Finlândia. Author GualdimG

The extensions and renovations made to the cathedral made it one of the largest areas to congregate. Turku Cathedral has a capacity of one thousand four hundred people per service or event.