Kirker i Sydkarelen

Finnish Churches of Significance

Explore the religious heritage of South Karelia through these five significant churches. This collection includes the 18th-century wooden Church of St. Mary and the Pokrova Church, which is the oldest Orthodox church in Finland, located within the Lappeenranta Fortress. Architectural styles range from C.L. Engel's Neoclassical design in Luumäki to Josef Stenbäck's granite National Romantic structure in Savitaipale. These sites reflect the region's historical position and the evolution of Finnish ecclesiastical architecture.

Hotarju / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Savitaipaleen kirkko

A National Romantic granite church designed by architect Josef Stenbäck and completed in 1906. It stands as a prominent example of early 20th-century Finnish stone architecture.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

B

Lappeen Marian kirkko

An 18th-century wooden double cruciform church located in the center of Lappeenranta. Completed in 1794, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Pokrovan kirkko

Located within the Lappeenranta Fortress, this church was completed in 1785, making it the oldest Orthodox church in Finland. It houses a collection of historic 18th-century icons.

Albert Edelfelt / Public domain

D

Ruokolahti church

Ruokolahti Church is the Lutheran church in the town centre of Ruokolahti, in south-eastern Finland, and the main church of the Ruokolahti…

Niera / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Luumäen kirkko

A Neoclassical wooden cruciform church designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1845. It is a central landmark in the municipality of Luumäki.