Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Petäjävesi Old Church is the kind of stuff that Archidork/history geeks like myself salivate over. Built in 1763, it is a classic example of Scandanavian-wooden churches of the period. The church was designed by master-builder, Jaakko Klemetinpoika Lepptien and his grandson, Erkki Lepparre added the bell tower in 1821. The woodwork is phenomenal, particularly the ceiling and bell tower. The structure is in impressive condition considering the rather ephemeral nature of wooden construction over a long period of time. Restoration work also used traditional techniques which adds to its authenticity. As impressive as it is, the structure apparently has no heat source at all (difficult this far north) and the pews looked downright painful. Those early Protestants must have really been dedicated.

	The stone foundation and the graveyard surrounding the church.
	Above Left: A view from the chorus - above right. The pulpit
	The pews
	Above: The complex wooden-domed ceiling design and an elaborate hand carved lamp. A view down the stairwell from the bell tower.
	They actually let us climb top the top of the bell tower. Obviously I didn't take this picture since I'm in it.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.