Turku Cathedral
The national shrine of Finland, the home church of the Archbishop and the Bishop of Turku, and the parish church of central Turku. Over 700 years of history, culture, faith, and spirituality.
Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, is the home church of both the Archbishop and the Bishop of Turku. It is a living church where life is celebrated through worship services, family ceremonies, concerts, lectures, art exhibitions, and many other activities. It is also a place for quiet reflection, contemplation, and encounters with oneself and God. In addition, it is a treasure trove of history, where the echoes of past generations meet the people of today, and the Middle Ages intertwine with the present day.
Turku Cathedral is closed for renovation from 9 February 2026 to 2 December 2028
At times, church buildings also need repair. Turku Cathedral is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, which means that the Cathedral will remain closed until Advent 2028. The renovation includes upgrades to the building’s technical systems, as well as improvements to accessibility and usability. The previous renovation took place in 1976–79, so it is now time for new repairs.
Explore Turku Cathedral virtually
Although the Cathedral is currently closed to visitors, you can still explore it virtually! Walk through the church with 360° views, watch videos, or take a look at the surrounding city through the tower camera. You can also discover the Cathedral through different themes such as art history, burial traditions, or Bishop Henry.
Parishes of Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral serves as the active parish church for three congregations. The congregations operating in the Cathedral organize services and events in three languages: Finnish, Swedish, and English. In addition, a German-speaking chapel congregation meets there regularly. Each congregation has its own temporary premises for its activities, where events are also held during the renovation. Read more about their activities on the congregations’ own websites.
Turun tuomiokirkkoseurakunta, the Turku Cathedral Parish, is the Finnish-speaking parish in central Turku.
Åbo svenska församling includes Swedish-speaking parish members living in the Turku and Kaarina area.
The multilingual international congregation of Turku uses English as its language of communication. It brings together international parish members from the Turku and Kaarina area.
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages are often seen as something belonging only to the Middle Ages. However, that is not the case. At their best, pilgrimages can be a journey deep into one’s inner self, listening to one’s own thoughts and feelings. It is an experience worth having.
“Pilgrimage is an ancient tradition that is also alive in the present day. Throughout history, people have longed for sacred places and have traveled to them. The pilgrim gives the journey its motives and meanings. One can travel on foot, by bicycle, by canoe, or just as well by car if mobility is a challenge. Pilgrimage brings together movement in nature, moments of quiet, cultural history, physical activity, and a break from everyday life.”
