Holy Cross Church, Medieval brick church in Hattula, Finland.
Holy Cross Church is a brick structure with Gothic features built during the medieval period and stands apart for its uncommon construction method in the region. Inside, two stone columns divide the space into three aisles and create a four-bay hall.
The building dates to 1472 and quickly became an important pilgrimage site attracting visitors from Denmark and other Nordic regions. Its role as a religious center made it a destination for medieval travelers from across a wide area.
The walls display over 180 biblical stories through medieval frescoes painted between 1513 and 1516, bringing the interior to life. These paintings reveal how religious teaching and artistic expression shaped daily spiritual experience.
The building is unheated and opens only during summer months to preserve its original medieval interior. Visitors should plan their visit accordingly, as winter access is not available.
Unlike most medieval Finnish churches built from stone, this structure is entirely constructed from brick, making it visually distinctive. This building material was uncommon in the region and makes it easily recognizable among Finland's medieval churches.
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