Encircled by a cathedral and museums, Senate Square is a popular gathering point. The large plaza serves as a tribute to the impressive 19th-century neoclassical designs of German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Visit the buildings for a greater understanding of Finnish culture and history.
Gaze up at the magnificent green turrets and domes of Helsinki Cathedral on the northern side of the square. Note the large pediment above the white columns of this inspiring church, which stands atop a high set of stairs. Climb the steep flight of steps to gaze out at the rest of the plaza from the top. The cathedral is open to visitors daily from morning until late in the evening.
In front of the church stands the imposing Statue of Alexander II. Inspect the green outline of Emperor Alexander II and learn about his reforms that led to greater independence for Finland from the Russians.
Peruse the seemingly endless rows of tomes in the National Library of Helsinki. Admire its external yellow façade, white columns and central rotunda. In the southeastern corner of the square is the Sederholm House, which is the city’s oldest stone building. Visit the adjacent Helsinki City Museum for intriguing exhibitions that tell the story of local life.
Attend a concert or political rally in this important square. See the snow buildings and snowboarding events that take place in winter. Digital carillon music sounds from the plaza’s surrounding buildings in the late afternoon. Stand by the statue for optimal acoustics for the tune, which lasts for more than 5 minutes.
Learn about the history of the square, which was mostly designed by Engel between 1822 and 1852.
Senate Square is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic structures in the heart of downtown Helsinki. Ride the bus to one of the stops on the roads surrounding the plaza or walk southeast for 10 minutes from Helsinki Railway Station to get here. The square is right beside the Kaisaniemi metro station and near the Helsinki University.
