Ttemppeliaukio rock church

is a Lutheran church in the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki. The church was designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969.

Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church.

Design from the barren North
Nordic design is famous for its simplicity and minimalism. The interior of the Temppeliaukio Church is a great example of this. Since the rocks serve as walls and much granite is incorporated into the interior, the natural surroundings are given their proper due. The numerous windows (180) in the dome create a beautiful interplay of sunlight and shadow.

In 1961, the Finnish architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen submitted the winning design. The jury found the idea to be ‘completely original’ and was pleased with the proposal in which the original rocks could remain in place to some degree. However, the residents of Helsinki were not as enthusiastic about the design and preferred a traditional chapel.
Progressive design

Progressive design
The ‘Rock Church’ was too reminiscent of a mosque or even a ‘diabolical bunker’. Due to the resistance, construction did not begin until 1968. After the completion and inauguration of the church one year later, it did not take long before Temppeliaukio was embraced by all and the church became one of the highlights of the city.