Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church

The wooden church of Pihjalavesi was built between 1780-1782. In 1778 small village of Pihjalavesi requested to build their own church, because it was long distance to nearest church. The parish of Keuruu denied the request, but the building of smaller chapel was allowed without any public funding. Local inhabitant built anyway a church and sold grain and tar to fund it. When the church was completed, local vicar got admonition from the chapter.

Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church was designed by famous church builder Matti Pärnä-Åkerblom. There are many legends of church, you can for example find figures of people in the inside wall of the church. Remarks are probably originated from the people reclining to the wall during worships.

The cemetery surrounding church was established in 1785 and used until the beginning of the 20th century. Some parts of the church were renovated in 1870s and again in 1930s. It’s open in summertime and popular venue for worships, concerts and weddings.

Address

Virransillantie 191, Keuruu, Finland

Details

Founded: 1780-1782
Category: Religious sites in Finland
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Finland)