Paltaniemi Old Church
Kainuu
Paltaniemi Old Church, also known as Paltaniemen kuvakirkko, is a wooden church constructed in 1726 in the village of Paltaniemi within the Kainuu region of Finland. It stands as a significant example of Finnish ecclesiastical wooden architecture, built by a team of 24 carpenters led by Johan Simonpoika Knubb, from a notable South Ostrobothnian church-building family. The church was consecrated in 1727, though its interior decoration was completed over several decades, finishing in 1781. Among its artistic highlights are the altar painting depicting the Holy Communion, created by Margareta Capsia in 1727, and the distinctive ceiling and vault paintings by Emanuel Granberg between 1778 and 1781. The church houses two historic bells dating back to 1622 and 1685, which are preserved from earlier churches on the site. Due to their weight, a separate bell tower was constructed in 1768–1769. The church can seat approximately 800 people but notably lacks electricity and heating, preserving its authentic historical atmosphere. It remains under the ownership of the Paltamo parish despite the village being part of Kajaani municipality. The church is still used for services during summer and Christmas by the Kajaani parish. Its unique wooden structure, historical artworks, and connection to the region's ecclesiastical history make it a cherished cultural landmark in Kainuu.
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Tip: The best time to visit Paltaniemi Old Church is during the summer months when it is open daily from June 3rd to August 3rd, typically from 12 PM to 6 PM. Note that the church has no electricity or heating, so dress accordingly. Parking and restroom facilities are available nearby. It's advisable to check opening hours in advance, especially for special dates like June 4th, when opening hours differ. Tickets are not typically required, but donations or participation in services during summer and Christmas are welcomed. Visitors should respect the church's historical and sacred nature during their visit.
Interesting facts
- •The church's ceiling and vault paintings by Emanuel Granberg are unique examples of 18th-century Finnish ecclesiastical art.
- •The oldest church bells in the church date back to 1622 and 1685 and are among the few surviving artifacts from earlier churches on the site.
- •The altar painting depicting the Holy Communion was created by Margareta Capsia in 1727, one of the earliest known Finnish female painters.
- •The church does not have electricity or heating, preserving its authentic historical atmosphere.
- •The church can seat about 800 people, making it a large wooden church for its time and region.
History
The Paltaniemi Old Church was built in 1726 after previous churches in the area were destroyed by natural disasters and war.
The first church in Paltaniemi was erected in 1599 but was destroyed by a landslide in 1626.
A subsequent church built in 1665 was burnt down during the Great Northern War in 1716.
The current wooden church replaced the earlier structures and was consecrated in 1727.
Its interior decoration, including paintings and altar pieces, was completed by 1781.
Historic church bells from the 17th century have been preserved and housed in a separate bell tower constructed in the late 1760s due to their weight.
Over the centuries, the church has remained a central religious and cultural site in the Kainuu region, maintaining its original wooden architecture and art.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Seating Area1726
The spacious wooden nave accommodates around 800 worshippers and showcases the church's traditional wooden architecture and craftsmanship from the early 18th century.
Altar Painting1727
The altar features a painting of the Holy Communion by Margareta Capsia, completed in 1727, notable as one of the earliest works by a Finnish female artist.
Ceiling and Vault Paintings1778-1781
Emanuel Granberg painted the church's distinctive ceiling and vault decorations between 1778 and 1781, adding artistic richness to the interior.
Bell Tower and Historic Bells1768-1769
Due to the heavy 17th-century bells, a separate bell tower was constructed in 1768–1769 to house them safely.
Contact
Phone: 044 5974753
