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 (3 years ago)
A unique place!

Samu Puuronen (3 years ago)
Nice little church.

Jean Yves Le Ravallec (4 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

Photo from Flickr, copyright Fagerjord

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.

Paltaniemi Church