Rock Church | Ray and Shelley's Retirement Adventures

We went to check out the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, often referred to as the “Rock Church.”

From the outside, you would not even know it is a church. The whole place is imbedded into a rocky hill.

As we approached the church, we had no idea what to expect inside.
We went through the main entrance and it was stunning. The church is carved directly into the solid granite rock.

The rough stone walls rise around the entire church and natural light comes through the skylights in the dome overhead. It was impressive simply seeing the creative way they made the church. The church was completed in 1969 and instead of building on top of the rock, they chose to build within it.

Ray looking at the grooves carved out of the stone for the church.

Apparently one of the most fascinating features of Temppeliaukio Church is its acoustics. The exposed rock walls create exceptional sound quality, making the church a popular venue for concerts as well as religious services.

Covered Granite Alter in front of the natural crevice that makes part of the church walls.

The copper-lined dome was also very impressive, suspended on concrete beams and surrounded by 180 skylights. It was almost like a flying saucer hovering above us.

Copper dome ceiling supported by concrete beams and skylights

Rock base with Skylights and beams holding the copper dome

We walked around the church looking at the creative ways they imbedded features into the granite, from the church organ to the baptismal font.

Baptismal Font made with stone and copper

After walking around the main floor of the church we headed up to the second level. There we sat on one of the pues and just relaxed and took it all in. It was a unique, peaceful and more enjoyable than we expected.

The “Rock Church” was certainly very unique and interesting to visit and explore.