St. Olaf's Church

Tyrvään Pyhän Olavin kirkko (St. Olaf's Church in Tyrvää) is located a few kilometres outside the town centre of Sastamala. It was originally built around 1510, left unused in 1855, repaired starting from the 1960's and burnt down in 1997, just three weeks after a new roof had been finished. All except the stone walls were destroyed.

The church was rebuilt in 1997-2003. About 1200 volunteers participated in the project. In 2005-2009 new interior paintings were created by renowned artists Kuutti Lavonen and Osmo Rauhala.

I have been about to visit the church for years, but managed to do it today. I was truly impressed by the quality of work and the artwork. The location is also incredibly beautiful, a small peninsula surrounded by Lake Rautavesi. The area is one of the Finnish national landscapes. Had the original church not burned, it would probably be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the main photo the front of the church taken from the corner of the church boatshed. In the extras another outside view and an interior view.