Archangel Michael's Church, Turku

Archangel Michael's Church, located in central Turku, is a stunning example of Neogothic architecture and one of the city's most prominent landmarks. Completed in 1905 and designed by Professor Lars Sonck at the young age of 23, the church dominates the western skyline with its 77-meter-high spire. The church is renowned for its striking red brick walls and grey-green slate roof, primarily built from local Finnish materials, reflecting a harmonious blend of national heritage.

Although the church was finished in 1905, its parish was established only in 1921. With seating for up to 1,800 people, it is one of the most popular wedding venues in Turku. The interior design, where Sonck had greater creative freedom, showcases a mix of Jugendstil, Gothic, and National Romantic elements, particularly visible in the intricate carvings and soapstone furnishings.

One of the most notable features of Michael's Church is its Jugend ornamentation, which adorns the windows, staircases, and altar. The interior is decorated with Finnish soapstone, and its original windows, which depicted Finnish pine trees, were destroyed during the Finnish Winter War and later replaced in 1953 with new designs by artists Hilkka Toivola and Otso Karpakka. These windows, created in Paris, depict religious themes such as "The Good Shepherd" and "Faith, Hope, and Charity."

The church has undergone several restorations, most notably in the 1980s, when both the exterior and interior were meticulously repaired and refurbished. A notable feature of the church is its organ, originally built in 1965 and replaced with a new 52-stop organ by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri AB in 2002.

The church bells, which have rung since 1931, were donated by Edla and Hjalmar Aarnio, while other contributions include a model ship from Reino Lehto and a decorated altar cloth by Kaarina Lehmussaari. Michael's Church remains not only a place of worship but also a beloved architectural gem in Turku, cherished by both locals and visitors.