In the heart of Finland’s capital city of Helsinki is the proud and majestic Uspensky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in western Europe. The red brick building is an impressive architectural symbol of the relationship that once existed between Finland and the Russian Empire.

With its total of thirteen golden cupolas that signify dramatic flames, Uspensky Cathedral is highly reminiscent of traditional Russian church design.

Many thousands of the bricks used for the construction of Uspensky were salvaged from another building: the dismantling of the Bomarsund Fortress provided the church with an economic building material.

Uspensky Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in Helsinki and is also a magnificent symbol of Finland’s dramatic religious history.