Parppeinvaaran Runokylä, Folk culture museum in Ilomantsi, Finland.
Parppeinvaaran Runokylä is an open-air museum in Ilomantsi with traditional wooden buildings including a Singer's Cottage, barns, and a chapel. The site displays how rural people lived and worked across different periods.
The museum grew from efforts to preserve rural traditions and was gradually filled with historical objects, including a command post from World War II. Structures were relocated from other locations to create a cohesive village display.
The site shows Karelian traditions through exhibits and craft demonstrations that visitors can watch and learn from today. Orthodox Christian heritage remains visible throughout the buildings and objects on display.
The site is best visited during warmer months when all buildings are open and craft demonstrations take place. In colder seasons, access is limited and it's worth checking ahead before going.
The site received the European Heritage Label for its connection to the Kalevala, an ancient Finnish epic rooted in oral traditions. This recognition highlights how important the place is for preserving Finnish cultural treasures.
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