Paltaniemi Church

Kajaani, Finland

First church in Paltaniemi was built in 1599, but it was destroyed by the very unusual earthquake in 1626. The next one was completed in 1665, but again it was destroyed by the Russian forces during the Greath Wrath in 1716. The current wooden church was built in 1726. Probably the oldest artifact inside the Paltainiemi church is the altarpiece from the year 1727. Famous paintings on the ceiling and walls was made by Emanuel Granberg in 1778-1781. The large painting on the rear wall, the “Final Judgement”, was once considered so shocking that the lower portion of the painting was removed – apparently even with an axe in places.

Outside the church are memorials to the Kalevala and the years of famine. The church is open to visitors daily throughout the summer.

Address

Paltaniementie 808-834, Kajaani, Finland

See all sites in Kajaani

Details

Founded: 1726
Category: Religious sites in Finland
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Finland)

More Information

www.oulujarvi.fi

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Kajaani Castle (7,9 km)

Kajaani Church (8,2 km)
Kainuu Museum (8,7 km)

User Reviews

Jari Laitala (5 years ago)
A unique place!

Samu Puuronen (5 years ago)
Nice little church.

Jean Yves Le Ravallec (6 years ago)
Beautiful all-wood church including the roof The interior is decorated with religious scenes painted on the wooden ceiling. Worth the detour.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.