Kirkkokari (the Church Islet) is a small island in the Lake Köyliö. It is the only Roman Catholic pilgrimage site in Finland and one of the few in Nordic countries. The 0,30 hectare islet is also called as the Saint Henry's Island.
According to an old legend, Saint Henry was murdered on the ice of Lake Köyliö nearby Kirkkokari in January 1156. During the 13th century the island became a pilgrimage site for Catholics. It was named by a chapel that was built on the island in the 14th century. Foundations of the church are still seen in Kirkkokari as well as the monument of Christianization of Finland (1955) and Saint Henry's altar, which was built in 1999.
The Finnish Roman Catholic Church arranges an yearly pilgrimage to Kirkkokari via the Saint Henry's Road. The 140 kilometre long journey starts from the city of Turku. It ends on a memorial service in Kirkkokari on the last pre-Midsummer sunday.
References:
Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.