Karja Church

Saaremaa, Estonia

The towerless Gothic style church of St. Catherine in Karja is the smallest church in Saaremaa island. The church was built in the late 13th or early 14th century. Although small, it is the one of the most beautiful churches in Saaremaa. The architectural design of the church is simple: a two bayed nave, a choir and a vestry. It is the sculptural decor that makes the church a real jewel. Its portals, bosses and vaulting supports are decorated with High Gothic stone decor.

The most interesting detail in the church is a relief that was later set into the wall of the porch. It depicts the scene at Calvary with Mary and John mourning for Christ.

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Address

Karja, Saaremaa, Estonia
See all sites in Saaremaa

Details

Founded: 13-14th century
Category: Religious sites in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)

More Information

www.7is7.com
www.saaremaa.ee

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Alexander Wagon (4 months ago)
Each and every bas relief there is worth a fair amount of time for contemplation.
Alexander Denisov (11 months ago)
Elderly church. Historical. Good views.
Dana Barrett (17 months ago)
Boring Church. They even want money for entrance - it is a plain church from inside and there was nothing found inside what I was told from the internet. No murals from old times were to be seen and the guy working there was totally clueless and did not know anything about these historical murals. I run in, looked around and was disappointed.
Algimantas Puteris (23 months ago)
Beautiful church. Definitely recommend the view from the rooftop!
andrey basenko (2 years ago)
XIV century
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