Porvoo Cathedral - a brief historical overview

Porvoo parish most likely has its origins in the late 13th century. The oldest part of the present grey stone church dates back to the late 13th or early 14th century. In the early 15th century, the church was rebuilt and enlarged.
During its history the church has experienced difficulties times; it has been burned and robbed in 1508, 1571, 1590 and 1708.

The Episcopal See was moved from Vyborg to Porvoo in 1723, when the church became a cathedral. A Swedish Diocese was founded in
1923, thus making Porvoo Cathedral the diocesan seat.

During continuation war in 1941, an aerial bomb hit the church and exploded under  the floor, but did not cause any further damage.

The latest fire in the Cathedral happened in May 2006 when the church became a target for arson. The damages were repaired in 2006–2008 and the church was reopened in November 2008.

Porvoo cathedral is nowadays Porvoo’s Finnish-speaking parish’ central place of worship and at the same time the main church of Porvoo’s Swedish-speaking parish and the Swedish Diocese.

People gather in the church for religious services, along with concerts and other events. Porvoo cathedral is also especially popular for marriage and a popular tourist attraction where tens of thousands of tourists visit every year.

The Little church

The wooden Little church next to the belfry was consecrated in 1740 and previously served as the church for the Finnish-speaking parish. Today, both
parishes in Porvoo use it.

The Belfry

The belfry that resembles a tower had three sections in the Middle Ages. The current upper section is from the 18th century. The bells are donations from the 17th and 18th century and have a key signature of F minor.

Aukioloajat

Toukokuu – syyskuu

maanantai – perjantai 10–18

lauantai 10–14

sunnuntai ja pyhäpäivät 14–17

Lokakuu – huhtikuu

maanantai suljettu

tiistai – lauantai 10–14

sunnuntai ja pyhäpäivät 14–16

Öppettider

Maj – september

måndag – fredag 10–18

lördag 10–14

söndag och helgdagar 14–17

Oktober – april

måndag stängd

tisdag–lördag 10–14

söndag och helgdagar 14–16  

Opening hours

May–September

Monday – Friday 10–18

Saturday 10–14

Sunday and holy days 14–17

October–April

Monday closed

Tuesday–Saturday 10–14

Sunday and holy days 14–16

aukioloajat / öppettider / opening hours

Toukokuu–syyskuu / Maj–september / May–September

• ma – pe / mån – fre / mon. – fri. 10 – 18
• la / lö / sat. 10–14
• su / sö / sun. 14–17

Lokakuu-huhtikuu / Oktober-april / October-April