As we left Jyväskylä we stopped in Petäjävesi to visit the old church there. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the church was built between 1763 and 1765 with the bell tower added in 1821 A new church was built in 1879, but the old church has been kept up and is still used for Sunday services, weddings, baptisms and concerts. It stands today as an impressive example of early Finnish wooden architecture.
We wandered the graveyard before entering the church marvelling at many different styles of headstones. Some older ones were made of wood or simple metal crosses. While most of the stones are of granite with names etched on the stone, a few were more ornate with a gold-like printing and more elaborate decorations. Differences reflect the wealth of the deceased. Evidently most of the headstones are gone from the more than 9100 graves said to be there.
Inside the church is beautifully constructed. Decorations in the medieval tradition are carved and painted throughout adding and interest to the color to the sanctuary. The pulpit is especially interesting with St. Christopher to hold it up and carved angels surrounding Jesus and the four evangelists. The paintings were done by Carl Fredrik Blom, an itinerant artisan painter, in 1843.
The pews are still numbered reflecting the ancient practice of purchasing a pew when financially able to do so. The closer to the front, the better I assume. The floorboards are not attached; they are simply laid over the joists underneath. A door in the floor leads to a wine cellar. A lovely candle chandelier graces the point where the nave is crossed by its wings. Balconies allow seating for maids and farmhands. Originally women sat on the left side of the church to separate them from the men on the right side.
Typical of early Finnish churches, we were glad we had to opportunity to visit and learn more about these early churches.
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