[1][2] Plans for the Temppeliaukio/Tempelplatsen (Temple square) began as early as the 1930s, when a plot of land was selected for the building and a competition for the design was held.

The plan by J. S. Siren, the winner of the second competition to design the architecture of the church, was interrupted in its early stages when World War II began in 1939.

For economic reasons, the suggested plan was scaled back and the interior space of the church then reduced to about one-quarter of its original design.

The interior was excavated and built directly out of solid rock and is bathed in natural light which enters through the skylight surrounding the center copper dome.

Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city; half a million people visit it annually.