inner circle

Temppeliaukio Church / Helsinki, Finland
Otherwise known as the Rock Church, this is a shot of the interior dome of the Lutheran church located in the center of Helsinki. This unique structure was designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969. The circular interior was excavated and built entirely into existing rock but is bathed in natural light entering through the glazing which supports this dome. The exterior dome, sheathed in copper, is all that is visible from the outside. The church is used frequently as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics with the acoustic quality being ensured by the rough, virtually unworked, rock surfaces. The Temppeliaukio church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city; half a million people visit it annually.