Ancient church of Petäjävesi

The Unesco Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized Finland's Petäjävesi Ancient Church as a World Cultural Heritage in 1994.

The ancient church of Petäjävesi is a church of Protestantism in the town of Petajavesi, built between 1763 and 1765. The church is built of Renaissance wood architecture mixed with Gotique style. Located on a small peninsula surrounded by lakes and forests, so the landscape around the church is extremely poetic.

The carpenter Jaakko Klementinpoika Leppanen is the builder of the church. Petäjävesi's basic structure based on the Greek cross has four equal wings, on the roof of the church, which has an 8-sided shape. The entire church is made up of natural pine wood, only the inside of the canopy is painted a little color in the tradition of building a medieval church. The dome of the roof is engraved with the name of the carpenter who participated in the creation of this church.

In 1821, the grandson of the carpenter Jaakko Klementinpoika Leppanen, Erkki Jaakonpoika Leppanen , built a tower rising above the church entrance hall and worship room. This gave Petäjävesi ancient church a more perfect appearance. During this remodeling, the windows were also expanded. The tower and roof sheets are also made from pine wood.

The interior of the church has a lecture hall on the statue of Saint Christopher . This lecture hall carved 4 apostles and many celestial figures. The other side of the sanctuary has a platform for the choir. However, the church never had an organ. After the altar there is a painting by painter Carl Frendirik Blom.

Like many Scandinavian churches, the Petäjävesi church is built near a lake. This simplifies going to the island because waterways can be used.

In 1879, a new wooden church was built next to the old church. Even so, the old wooden church and the bell tower were still in use until the 1920s.

Architecture and interior decoration inside the old church.Due to good restoration and preservation, architectures in general are still kept intact.

Petäjävesi ancient church is a typical example of traditional construction techniques of local farmers. People have cleverly combined traditional construction with local materials to create a perfect architectural work in the area. Admiring the church can also clearly see the influence of European architectural trends that affect the architecture of Petajavesi region, so the ancient church of Petäjävesi also features European architecture , particularly Renaissance style . Although influential, the attraction of the church is that of combining indigenous architecture, traditional construction with local materials. The mix and match created a distinct, impressive color.

The wood used to build the church is wood, a popular tree of the region. Adapting the architectural forms and construction techniques of carpenters has created a striking architecture of the region, while creating an appearance for traditional church architecture in Northern Europe.

Under the protection of the Finnish Protestant Church and the National Antiquities Center, the church built a fund for restoration and conservation. There have also been a number of renovations carried out in the 1980s and 1990s. These renovations have mainly focused on house frames, roofs and pillars. In 1987, the south wall of the church was restored, renovated and other parts were repaired in 1980 and 1992.

Up to now, the church is still used in major festivals such as baptism, marriage . or important local concerts.

The ancient Petäjävesi church was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by the Unesco (iv): The ancient Petäjävesi church is a prominent example of European architectural style, combined with traditional and original construction techniques. Local materials.

The church is still used on major occasions, wedding ceremonies or important local concerts.