Pälkäne church ruin

This medieval church ruin in Pälkäne consists of stone wall fragments from a structure built in the late 15th century in the Pirkanmaa region. The remaining parts display architectural features typical of religious buildings from that era.

Built in the late 15th century, this structure served as a community place of worship until 1839 when a new church was constructed. The old building was then abandoned and left to decay over the following decades.

Two wooden sculptures from 1506 that once decorated this place of worship are now kept at the National Museum of Finland. These carved works reflect the artistic traditions that filled medieval religious buildings.

This archaeological site is open to visitors free of charge and has information boards that explain the site's importance. The location is easy to find in Pälkäne and well marked for those wishing to explore the remains.

During the Great Northern War in 1713, the building was robbed, and later a refugee printer named Daniel Medelplan used it as a workshop in 1719. He carved wooden printing plates inside, showing how the abandoned church found a second life as a working space.

Location: Pälkäne

Part of: Pälkäneen pitäjänkeskus

Address: Vanhankirkontie, 36600 Pälkäne

Website: https://palkaneenseurakunta.fi/kirkot-ja-tilat/palkaneen-rauniokirkko

GPS coordinates: 61.34684,24.26193

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41