The Chapel Of Silence In Kamppi, An Original Building In Helsinki
The Chapel of Silence in Kamppi, in the Finnish capital, is something different than what you have visited. Something different because of its appearance, but also because of the function of the building itself in the heart of the city. One of those surprising ideas that usually arise in the countries of northern Europe. Do you want to know more? Well, keep reading.
The Chapel of Silence in Kamppi, 2012
Perhaps because of the name of the chapel, you think we are talking about a church. It is partly true, but it is also much more. The Chapel of Silence in Kamppi is an inheritance from 2012, when Helsinki was the design capital of the world.
On the occasion of that event, it was decided to build a surprising building in both its form and its function. It is a temple in which religious ceremonies are not celebrated, although there are always some shepherds who represent the seven religious congregations of the capital of Finland.
Everyone is welcome in the Chapel of Silence in Kamppi
Regardless of your religion, or if you don’t have it, you will always be welcome in this particular temple. The idea is that in the city center people can reserve a few minutes for themselves.
It is an offering to sit quietly and pray or reflect. Also to rest, to know how to appreciate beauty, to feel better or to seek transcendence. Even if you sleep there, no one will dare to wake you up.
Inside the Chapel of Silence of Kamppi everyone can do whatever they want, yes, in silence and without disturbing the rest of the audience. A most unique, interreligious concept.
Where is in Helsinki
From its name, we have to deduce that the building is located in the central Kamppi neighborhood of Helsinki. Specifically, it rises in Narinkka Square.
There it stands out in the environment, and not because of its greatness, but because of its appearance. It is a minimalist wooden building that attracts attention with its neighbors: a shopping center and a hotel built with steel and glass. A contrast that was one of the goals of the architects who designed it.
They wanted to attract attention and for that they used wood, a material that, on the other hand, is the most typical of Finnish architecture. In the Scandinavian country this material abounds and has been worked with great taste for centuries. Thus, a magnificent example of 21st century architecture is this Chapel of Silence in Kamppi.
Two entrances to the chapel
The building has a main entrance that overlooks Narinkka Square. But it also has a smaller access at the back. It is part of its concept of openness to citizens, so that it is as easy as possible for anyone to decide to take a break from their daily lives and take a quiet time.
But you don’t enter the chapel directly. Before that, you have to go through a lobby where the social or religious services workers are, with whom you can consult any topic, if you wish.
And then you go to the austere interior of the Chapel of Silence in Kamppi. This is a space without distractions, in fact there are no windows in the walls. Light enters through the ceiling. And there all the furniture consists of wooden benches, a candle or a table.
In short, there awaits us a haven of peace and silence, literally. A good place for city dwellers. But also for you, if you do tourism in Helsinki.
Do not miss the Chapel of Silence of Kamppi, take a time there of tranquility and reflection on the frenetic pace that we carry in our lives, even when we are on vacation. Surely it will be very good for you to take everything with a little calm.
