The Burning Bush

Tampere Cathedral is another masterpiece by architect Lars Sonck. Again, his creative partnership with other designers and craftsmen has produced a fabulous combination. The church itself, commissioned as St John's and completed in 1907, became Tampere cathedral in 1923. Its roots are Gothic but it is one of the great examples of the Finnish National Romantic Style - a reflection of a movement designed to create a style that was Finland's own, rather than one derived from its two predominant neighbours.

The overall effect of the interior is magical, mystical even, and slightly surreal.

The interior decoration was mainly done by Hugo Simberg using biblical imagery, and features an incredible gallery fresco called The Garland of Life, with the saints carrying the garland each represented as young boys.

Simberg also created most of the stunning stained glass windows, of which this is one - The Burning Bush.