Meilahti Church

Meilahti Church is a church building in Helsinki designed to house two separate congregations, with distinct worship areas for Finnish and Swedish-speaking communities under a single structure. The building rises about 25 meters (82 feet) high and stands close to the major traffic artery of Mannerheimintie.

Architect Markus Tavio designed the building following a 1938 committee decision, with construction completed in 1954. The project emerged from the need to create a shared worship space that could serve both the Finnish and Swedish-speaking communities of the city.

The church serves two separate congregations sharing one building, with Finnish and Swedish speakers maintaining their own worship spaces and traditions. This dual arrangement reflects how the city accommodates its bilingual community in daily spiritual life.

The church stands at Pihlajatie 16 in Helsinki, positioned conveniently near major public transportation routes and the main traffic artery. Visitors should be aware that the two congregations hold separate services, so opening hours and access may vary depending on which community is using the space.

The bell hanging in the tower comes from an unexpected source and carries an inscription hinting at its original purpose before being relocated to this church. This repurposed piece connects the building to a larger historical story that most visitors pass by without noticing.

Location: Helsinki

Inception: 1954

Architects: Markus Tavio

Official opening: February 7, 1954

Elevation above the sea: 25 m

Part of: Meilahden kirkko ja koulu

Address: Pihlajatie 16, 00270 Helsinki

Website: http://helsinginkirkot.fi/fi/kirkot/meilahden-kirkko

GPS coordinates: 60.19294,24.90417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04