Karuna Church, Stone church in Sauvo, Finland
Karuna Church is a stone structure in Sauvo, southwest Finland, built in National Romantic and Art Nouveau styles. It features a bell tower in the southeast corner with historic bells and interior seating for around 480 people.
Architect Josef Stenbäck designed the building, which was constructed from 1908 to 1910. The bells were cast in 1689 for an earlier wooden church that once stood on the same site, showing how this location served as a religious center for centuries.
The church's name Karuna means compassion in Finnish, reflecting its spiritual purpose. Visitors notice the interior decorated with altar paintings by artist Ilmari Launis and the dignified setting that invites contemplation.
The church remains an active community center and is regularly open for worship and events. Summer months offer good opportunities to visit and experience concerts or special services held throughout the season.
The wooden church that originally stood here was relocated to the Seurasaari open-air museum in Helsinki, where it now serves as one of the oldest buildings in the collection. This move preserved the historic structure and made it accessible for public viewing.
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