Rääkkylä Wooden Church
Pohjois-Karjala
Rääkkylä Wooden Church, located in Pohjois-Karjala, Finland, is a cruciform wooden church constructed from 1849 to 1851 by Theodor Johannes Tolpo based on designs by Ernst Lohrmann from the Intendent Office. It is the fifth church in Rääkkylä, as previous ones were lost to fires. The church exemplifies late Empire architectural style, featuring a large octagonal dome supported by interior beveled surfaces rising from the crossing. It has a two-story tower with a pointed top and a lower sacristy extending from the altar end. The church houses two bells dating to 1851 and accommodates about 1200 people. Its tall windows vary between arched and flat-topped styles, and the roof structure includes saddle roofs on the arms and a dome ceiling in the center. The interior is distinguished by fluted wooden columns with sculpted capitals supporting a gallery. The 21-stop organ was built in 1975 by Kangasala Organ Factory with a facade designed in 1899 by Albanus Jurva. The altar painting "Resurrection" was created by Eino J. Härkönen in 1929. The church underwent major renovations in 1984, 1997, and 2021, including copper roof installation and exterior repainting. A unique weathercock on the roof is rare in Eastern Finland churches. The adjacent war memorial was unveiled in 1961, designed by sculptor Teuvo Kotilainen. The former parish hall on the church hill was demolished in 2023 after years of disuse.
ヒント: Visitors should plan their visit during daylight hours to appreciate the church's architectural details and interior artwork. Booking ahead is recommended for group visits. Discounts may be available for seniors and students through the parish office. The church is part of the Central Karelia parish community and may have limited opening hours during services and events.
興味深い事実
- •The church’s two bells date back to 1851, the year of its completion.
- •Its 21-stop organ was built in 1975, with the facade designed in 1899 by Albanus Jurva.
- •The weathercock on the church roof is unique among Eastern Finland churches.
- •The church can seat approximately 1200 people, making it one of the larger wooden churches in the region.
- •The war memorial on the church grounds was designed by sculptor Teuvo Kotilainen and unveiled in 1961.
歴史
Rääkkylä Wooden Church was constructed between 1849 and 1851 as the fifth church on the site, replacing previous churches destroyed by fires.
Its design was prepared by Ernst Lohrmann, a notable architect of the time, while Theodor Johannes Tolpo led the construction.
Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations, notably in 1915, 1966, 1984, 1997, and 2021, reflecting changes in interior design and preservation efforts.
The installation of a copper roof in 1984 and repainting in 2021 are among the key modern updates.
The church’s unique weathercock is a rare feature in Eastern Finland churches.
場所ガイド
Main Nave and Octagonal Dome1849-1851
The central crossing of the church is crowned by a large octagonal dome supported by beveled interior surfaces, creating a striking architectural feature. The nave beneath has fluted wooden columns with sculpted capitals that support the gallery level, enhancing the interior’s grandeur.
Organ and Altar Painting
The church houses a 21-stop organ built by Kangasala Organ Factory in 1975, with a facade designed by Albanus Jurva in 1899. The altar features the painting "Resurrection" by Eino J. Härkönen, created in 1929, adding artistic and historical value to the interior.
Tower and Bells1851
The two-story tower with a pointed top is integral to the church’s silhouette. It houses two bells from 1851, original to the church’s construction, which continue to mark time and events for the parish community.
War Memorial1961
Located on the church grounds, the war memorial was unveiled in 1961 and designed by sculptor Teuvo Kotilainen. It honors local heroes and adds a solemn historical dimension to the site.
連絡先
電話: 045 1119555