Oulu Cathedral was completed in 1777 and was named Sofia Magdalena's Church after the wife of King Gustav III. The church was designed by Daniel Hagman from Sundsvall. It was built from natural stone and was made large enough to accommodate all 2,400 residents of Oulu at the time for worship at once.

In the spring of 1822, Oulu was destroyed by a fire, and the wooden structures of the church also burned down. Only the stone walls remained intact, and the furnishings were rescued in time. The church was soon rebuilt according to the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel. The original stone walls were used as the base, while the central dome, roof structures, and tower were newly built. The church was completed in 1832, and the tower in 1845.

The church was designated a cathedral in 1900 when the bishop's seat was moved from Kuopio to Oulu. Oulu Cathedral remains a central part of the cityscape of Oulu today.

More information: Oulu Cathedral – Oulu Parishes