Espoon Vanha Kirkko

At least as early as the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of Espoo used to travel several miles to hear the Word of God in this church, which many people consider to be the most beautiful church in the area. The... More »

At least as early as the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of Espoo used to travel several miles to hear the Word of God in this church, which many people consider to be the most beautiful church in the area. The oldest building in Espoo, it dates from the early fifteenth century, the material is quarried grey stone, with brick ornaments on the ends. The builder was an "unknown master" from Espoo. During the last century the church was restored twice, as were the original al secco paintings representing biblical history and the sixteenth-century wooden crucifix above the altarpiece. Turquoise benches cheer up this otherwise quite dark church. This is one of the most popular wedding churches in the Helsinki region, especially on Saturdays during summer it is always fully booked. There is an old cemetery with soldiers' graves. The belfry made of grey stone and wood dates back to 1767. The church is also popular for concerts.