Church of the Three Crosses
Etelä-Karjala
The Church of the Three Crosses, also known locally as Kolmen Ristin kirkko or Vuoksenniska Church, is a celebrated Lutheran church located in Imatra, Finland. Designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto and completed in 1958, it is considered one of his most original and internationally acclaimed works. The church's architecture features three consecutive halls separated by sliding walls, allowing flexible use for parish activities. Its white exterior with copper roofing and the absence of a traditional altarpiece, replaced instead by three white wooden crosses, make it architecturally distinctive. The placement of the crosses and windows was carefully designed so that shadows cast during services enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The church contains 103 uniquely shaped windows, with only two being identical, contributing to its unique aesthetic. The slender bell tower, 34 meters tall, symbolizes a downward-shooting arrow and was among Finland's first to use slipform concrete casting. Inside, the organ was updated in 1990 and features a rich sound palette. The church is recognized by Docomomo and the Finnish Heritage Agency as a significant example of modern architecture and a nationally important built heritage site. Currently, the church is undergoing phased renovations to address moisture damage, with the exterior restoration nearing completion and interior renovations planned. Despite limited public access during repairs, the church remains a vital architectural and cultural landmark in Finland.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Church of the Three Crosses is during the warmer months when exterior views can be fully appreciated. Since the church is undergoing interior renovations, access inside may be limited, so it is recommended to book group visits in advance. There are no public restroom facilities on site. Supporters can contribute to ongoing restoration efforts through local fundraising initiatives. Check the official website or contact the parish office for current visiting conditions and reservation details.
Interesting facts
- •The church has 103 windows, of which only two share the same shape, making its lighting design uniquely asymmetrical.
- •Its bell tower, standing 34 meters tall, symbolizes a downward-shooting arrow and was among the first concrete slipform castings in Finland.
- •The church does not have a traditional altarpiece; instead, three white wooden crosses serve as the altar, with their shadows designed to fall on the wall during services.
- •The organ inside was updated in 1990 and contains 33+1 registers, replacing an earlier organ from 1959.
- •The church is listed by Docomomo as a significant example of Finnish modern architecture and is protected as a nationally significant built heritage site by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
History
The Church of the Three Crosses was constructed between 1957 and 1958 and consecrated on September 28, 1958.
It was built by the local construction company Isola based on Alvar Aalto's design, marking a key work in modern Finnish church architecture.
Over the decades, the church has been recognized as one of Aalto's most important buildings.
In recent years, significant moisture damage led to its closure in late 2020 for health and safety reasons.
Restoration efforts began in 2024, with exterior renovations nearly complete and interior repairs planned pending funding and approvals from heritage authorities.
Place Guide
Main Church Hall1957-1958
The central worship space consists of three consecutive halls separated by sliding walls, allowing flexible use for different parish events. Each hall has its own entrance, and together they can accommodate about 800 seated visitors. The asymmetric floor plan enhances acoustics and lighting.
The Three Crosses Altar1958
Instead of a traditional altarpiece, the altar features three white wooden crosses. Their placement and the church's windows are arranged so that the crosses cast shadows on the wall during services, creating a symbolic and spiritual atmosphere.
Bell Tower1958
A slender, 34-meter-high tower symbolizing a downward-shooting arrow. It houses three bells from 1958. Its construction was among Finland's first to use slipform concrete casting technology.
Organ1990
The current organ was built in 1990 by Urkurakentamo Veikko Virtanen, featuring three manuals and 33+1 registers, offering rich musical possibilities for services and concerts.
Contact
Phone: 050 3367815
