Suomenlinna Church was built during the Russian regime, by order of Czar Nicolay 1, to function as a military church. The Alexander Nevsky garrison church was completed and inaugurated in 1854. It originally had 5 onion domes.
After Finland gained independence the church was consecrated in 1918 as a Lutheran church. The following year the cupolas of the 4 small towers were pulled down.
The central dome doubles as a lighthouse, which is a unique combination.
In the 1870s, the surrounding wall was made from cannons and chains that were used during the Swedish regime.
The interior of the church is simple and elegant.
The church bell is the largest in Finland. It was cast in Moscow in 1885 and weighs 6683 kilos.
Beautiful Helsinki 