Martin's Church

Welcome to Mar-tin-kirk-ko, or Martin's Church, an architectural jewel nestled in the historic city of Turku, Finland. Consecrated in nineteen thirty-three to commemorate the four hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of…

Stand back from the main entrance to fully appreciate the bold, asymmetrical massing of the exterior facade. The design of Martin's Church is heavily indebted to the Italian basilica form, yet stripped entirely of classical…

Approach the main doors and step into the narthex. The transition from the exterior into this vestibule is handled with characteristic functionalist restraint. …

Step through the inner doors and enter the vast nave. The immediate sensory impact is one of immense volume and brilliant, clarifying light. …

Move forward to the chancel, the focal point of the entire architectural composition. Because the nave is so brutally devoid of decoration, the massive al secco fresco behind the altar strikes the viewer with incredible, almost…

As our tour of Mar-tin-kirk-ko draws to a close, take a moment to stand at the rear of the nave and look back toward the altar. We have traced the bold, uncompromising vision of architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos, from the…