Temppeliaukio Church
Perhaps one of Helsinki's most interesting attractions is the Temppeliaukio Church. The church was designed by brothers Tuomo and Timo Suomalainen. Construction on the building began in 1968. Known as "The Church of Rock", the church is actually built into a solid rock. The structure features 180 glass windows (also referred to as a glazed dome) that let in natural light. A benefit to the church's inset into the giant rock is its acoustic characteristics. Because the interior was left virtually untouched, the rough walls provide an ideal setting for concerts. Additionally, the back wall of the altar boasts a majestic rock wall that was formed by a withdrawing glacier.Today, the Lutheran church receives approximately 500,000 visitors a year. It has no bells, an oddity of sorts. Instead, a recording of bells is played through speakers located on its exterior walls. The music was composed by Taneli Kuusisto. The church does, however, house an organ that was built by Veikko Virtanen.
