Turku Cathedral

Lonely Planet review

Towering over the river and town, Turku Cathedral is one of Finland's most important churches. Consecrated in 1300, much of the building has been rebuilt over the centuries after frequent fire damage.

The interior is immensely high, with towering wall arches and a lofty vaulted nave. The side chapels hold tombs of Finnish and Swedish war heroes; many of these are names that ring loud in the history of this region. In one chapel rests Catherine Mansdotter, Queen of Sweden, wife of the unfortunate Erik XIV. The retable and pulpit were designed by the famous German architect CL Engel (who also built the Orthodox church on the market square).

Most Tuesday evenings the cathedral offers live music, and English-language services are held in the afternoon every Sunday.