Keski-Pori Church
Satakunta
Central Pori Church, known locally as Keski-Porin kirkko, is a prominent Gothic Revival style church located in the heart of Pori, Western Finland. Constructed between 1859 and 1863, it stands as the largest church in the Satakunta region and one of the largest in Finland. Designed by architects C. T. von Chiewitz and C. J. von Heideken, the church is renowned for its distinctive 72-meter tall cast iron tower, which is the tallest structure in Pori and among the tallest church towers in Finland. The interior reflects the National Romantic style with significant Jugendstil elements, featuring stained glass windows by artist Magnus Enckell and an altar painting by royal artist R. W. Ekman depicting the Resurrection of Christ. The church also boasts a remarkable ceiling decorated with over 4,000 gilded stars. Central Pori Church is part of the Pori National Urban Park and the historically significant Kivi-Pori district, recognized as a nationally important cultural environment. It serves as a key venue for the annual Pori Organ Festival, housing a notable Paschen Kiel pipe organ installed in 2007. The church accommodates around 1,700 visitors today, following renovations and interior modifications from its original 5,000 capacity. Its beautiful park surroundings and historical significance make it a must-visit site in Pori.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during weekdays when the church is open from 10:00 to 13:00 for independent exploration. Guided tours can be arranged by contacting the caretaker, especially Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 13:00. Attending services or concerts, such as those during the Pori Organ Festival, offers a unique cultural experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for concerts. The church is wheelchair accessible and offers parking and restroom facilities. Visiting in spring or summer allows enjoying the adjacent park and outdoor monuments.
Interesting facts
- •The church tower is made of cast iron and weighs over 60 tons, manufactured locally at the Pori machine workshop.
- •At 72 meters tall, the tower is the fifth highest church tower in Finland and the tallest building in Pori.
- •The ceiling above the altar is decorated with 4,092 gilded stars, a unique decorative feature.
- •The church originally held up to 5,000 people, but current capacity is around 1,700 due to interior changes.
- •The church and its park are part of the Pori National Urban Park, established in 2002.
- •The stained glass windows were created by Magnus Enckell, a notable Finnish artist.
- •Central Pori Church hosts the annual Pori Organ Festival and features a modern Paschen Kiel pipe organ installed in 2007.
History
Central Pori Church is the third main church in Pori, built after two earlier churches were destroyed by fires in 1698 and 1852.
The current church was constructed on the site of the former Pori Royal Manor, which had fallen into disrepair by the late 17th century.
The building process began in 1859 following architect C.
J.
von Heideken's designs, using approximately 1.8 million bricks.
The church was inaugurated on January 1, 1864.
Over the years, interior renovations and restorations have been undertaken, including a significant refurbishment in 1995–1996 and a copper roof replacement in 2012 after storm damage.
The church's design reflects early Finnish Gothic Revival architecture and incorporates National Romantic interior elements added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Place Guide
Cast Iron Tower1863
The church's unique tower is made entirely of cast iron, designed by architect Georg Theodor Chiewitz and manufactured locally. It stands 72 meters tall, making it a prominent landmark and the tallest structure in Pori.
Stained Glass Windows1925
Designed by Finnish artist Magnus Enckell and installed in 1925, these windows add vibrant color and artistic significance to the church interior, exemplifying National Romantic style.
Altar PaintingLate 19th century
The altar painting depicts the Resurrection of Christ, painted by royal artist R. W. Ekman, contributing to the church's spiritual and artistic heritage.
Church Park (Kirkkopuisto)1860s (original), 1917 (redesign)
The park surrounding the church was originally planted with 350 trees and redesigned in 1917. It is part of the National Urban Park and includes war memorials and graves of war casualties.
Contact
Phone: 044 7309640
