Ristinkirkko, Modern church in Lahti, Finland
Ristinkirkko is a modern church featuring a triangular footprint with striking red brick walls and a prominent concrete tower rising 40 meters above the building. The interior spans a pentagonal space with a large pipe organ and can hold around 1,150 worshippers.
Architect Alvar Aalto won a design competition in 1950, but construction was delayed for many years. The building was finally completed in the late 1970s after the previous wooden church at the site was demolished.
This church serves as a major venue for musical performances and festivals in the city. Visitors can experience the special acoustics of the space during concerts held throughout the year.
The church is located in the city center and easy to reach on foot from the train station. Regular services and events take place throughout the year, making it straightforward to plan a visit around your schedule.
The southern wall features 52 windows arranged in a cross pattern. This deliberate arrangement creates shifting light effects throughout the day that naturally illuminate the interior space.
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