The German Church in Helsinki
Taken from Observatory Hill in Helsinki, this photograph offers a glimpse of the city's architectural landscape in the late 19th century. In the foreground stands the red-bricked German Church (Saksalainen kirkko), completed in 1864 and designed by architects Harald Bosse and Carl Johan von Heideken. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the church served the German-speaking Lutheran community in Helsinki and remains active today.
Beyond the German Church, the white domes of Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) are visible. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1852, the cathedral has become one of Helsinki's most recognized landmarks.
In the years since this photo was taken, Helsinki has grown significantly. Today, it’s no longer possible to see both churches from this same vantage point—buildings and trees now fill the space between.
Original Photograph
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Digitally Restored Photograph
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Photo Information
Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: Alex Lindahl
Year: 1887-1889
Link to original photo here
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